Bible Studies

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...His name shall be Solomon (Peace), for I will give peace and quietness to Israel...
1 Chronicles 22:9

These last days, weeks, even years my life has contained so many seasons of weariness...mind-staggering, faith-draining weariness. I’ve lost count of the number of times I whispered, even shouted in the private corners of my mind, “I need a break, Lord. I’m so weary. Just a little peace!” I’ve dreamed of peaceful seasons, seasons in which to build all the things I dream and plan.

But something struck me this morning as I think on Solomon, on the gift of peace he was granted ... and Israel with him. In the gift of peace Solomon strayed. In the midst of peace, self-sufficiency and leaning-on-human-understanding knew no boundaries. In the midst of unparralled blessing Solomon lost his heart for God and fell willing victim to the wooing of countless other gods.

As I ponder these things, I find myself drawn, yet again, to Gethsemane. In the absence of physical, emotional peace ... in the midst of a breaking heart vividly mindful of the cup before Him, I discover true peace. Heaven’s peace. Peace that is visible in blood-like droplets of sweat. Peace that in the midst of uttering “take this cup from Me” rests in “nevertheless...”

Truth be told, I’m wanting Solomon’s reign of peace ... absence of battle ... absence of enemies. “Nevertheless” frightens this battle-weary soul. But apart from battle, one can’t know victory. Apart from the overwhelming strength of an enemy, one can’t discover the matchless power of God. Apart from personal insufficiency, one can’t learn of the sufficiency of the Almighty. Apart from my weakness, I can’t walk in the Lord’s strength.

So here I stand ... in the midst of my own weariness. Do I look straight ahead, across the field before me for an enemy-free field? Or do I draw on grace to look up? Do I find within that grace the courage to speak “Nevertheless...” in spite of my weariness? Or does my heart, my unspoken thoughts ask for the peace of Solomon?




Precious Jesus, how well You knew weariness. You walked its road, yet the dust of its path never clung to You, never pulled Your feet from the Father’s Way. I stand here, torn between two ways ... two longings. Though my mouth opens to seek Solomon’s seasons of peace, my heart knows Your Peace the better way. And I hear You whisper still such tender words ... such world’s of hope.

“My peace, Dear Child, is yours. I left it with you. A peace the world doesn’t know, doesn’t look for, cannot imitate. My peace that has its home in My Father’s heart. My peace that finds its life in utter submission to My Father’s Will.”

May Your peace fall upon me, Jesus, enabling the word “Nevertheless...” to spill willingly, easefully from my lips. In Solomon’s peace lies danger, Lord, so when I forget, when my heart begins to seek it once more, remind me again of true peace. Then take my hand, firmly within Your gentle grasp, and lead me faithfully in Your Way!!





©24 May 2005
DeAnna L. Brooks

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