Peace with God

Daniel 1:3-4 - “The king commanded Ashpenaz, who was in charge of his court officials, to choose some of the Israelites who were of royal and noble descent – young men in whom there was no physical defect and who were handsome, well versed in all kinds of wisdom, well educated and having keen insight, and who were capable of entering the king’s royal service.”

It's evident that these young Israelite men had some pretty impressive credentials and an impeccable pedigree – they would have definitely got the “most likely to succeed” vote in their class. 

I’ve heard Mark Zaia say that ‘comparison is not a valid form of evaluation’ but, gosh, you’d be feeling a little like the underdog if you were comparing yourself to these boys, which is why I love this next verse so much….

Daniel 9:18 - “For it is not because of our own righteous deeds that we are praying to you, but because your compassion is abundant.”

Daniel knew something that we all need to remember - God’s throne room is a throne room of grace, and we don’t come to Him on the basis of our good looks or our good works.

Romans 5:1-2 - “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

The enemy loves to whisper lies of condemnation, but justification silences that nonsense. You’re not defined by your failures or your struggle, neither are you defined by your accomplishments or successes; you’re defined by the finished work of Christ. That’s peace.

-          Sharon Faith

Reflection:  Are there areas in your life where you need step back into the peace that Jesus has already won for you?

TOGETHER PRAYER:  For those struggling with mental health