by Kala Loptien

Perfect Peace

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking the Sound Cloud link.

It’s amazing what can be learned from new and challenging experiences. We have a newborn. It’s our second child but first infant. The birth was not smooth and his first two weeks were spent in a NICU. Trust, reliance and prayers kept us in check during the heavy hours when doubt and fear wanted to have their way.

Often, we don’t fully grasp just how dependent we should be on our Lord…until we really need Him. Why is that? We’re too busy to think about it? Our sinful state lacks the humility to recognize we’re in dire need always? We forget who made us and why? Maybe it’s all of these things. Then suddenly, something happens. A reminder that the things of this world are temporal. Heartache and devastation hit when least expected. There are seasons when the disruptions and trials seem to line up one after the other. I finished reading Job and I’m always in awe of his ultimate conclusion:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Job 1:21 English Standard Version

We can be stripped of everything, face trial after trial; and yet, the Lord is sovereign. He is Maker, Redeemer, Giver of every good and perfect gift. He is our Guide, our Hope, our Source of life. While we never wish to experience hardships for ourselves or others, oftentimes we are most content when we are self-emptied and spiritually filled. Power perfected in weakness. Much like a newborn, full dependency requires intrinsic trust always. When we lay aside our pride in exchange for His powerful omnipresence and will in our lives, we find perfect peace. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen!

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado