February 13

The peace of God our barometer

“Let the peace of God RULE in your hearts” (Col. 3:15).
“Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always” (2 Thess. 3:16).

What we cannot do quietly we cannot do safely. Whatever mars our tranquility or interferes with our inward repose, is detrimental to spiritual life. If we find that a given course of action tends to break our peace, we may be certain that there is poison in the draught, which, as in the old stories, has been detected by the shivered cup, and we should not drink any more. Conscience may discern no evil, but the peace of God is a more delicate instrument, dealing with questions too subtle for conscience to answer, and operating in a higher sphere.
The peace of God will approve of nothing into which Christ cannot be introduced and assigned the seat of honor.


It should be to us what the barometer is to the sailor, and if it sinks, let us take the warning. Whenever we find it in peril, we must retrace our steps. In all matters of doubt, when contending impulses and reasons distract, and seem to pull in the opposite directions, our safety is to “let the peace of God” decide which is to prevail. Under His watchful rule the soul settles down into resolute and calm obedience to the law of Christ. The hearts and lives of men are made troubled, not by circumstances, but by themselves. We are restless because our wills are not in harmony with the will of God. (From New Testament Holiness by Thomas Cook. Used by permission of the Epworth Press.)

With that deep hush subduing all
Our words and works that drown
The tender whisper of Thy call,
As noiseless let Thy blessing fall
As fell Thy manna down.

Drop Thy still dews of quietness,
Till all our strivings cease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress
And let our ordered lives confess
The beauty of Thy peace.

Breathe through the heats of our desire
Thy coolness and Thy balm;
Let sense be dumb, let flesh retire;
Speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,
O still, small voice of calm.
—J. G. Whittier.

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