Grant Us Thy Peace

On Sunday, our Chancel Choir will be singing Felix Mendelssohn's "Grant Us Thy Peace". Mendelssohn is a very interesting composer, and actually was a Lutheran! We have him to thank for the revival of Bach's music in the mid 1800s. He wrote many pieces for choir, organ, symphonies, and was an all-around talented composer.

The idea of peace is one we like to talk a lot about in the world. In the world's view, peace is where there is no discord or no struggle. And that's nice to think about and try to attain, but we're sin-filled. Which means that we're going to struggle with conflicts in relationships, conflicts in life around us, and conflicts in many other aspects of our world. In John 14:27, Jesus says "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Peace given, not as the world gives? Sign me up! But how would God's peace impact our relationships and struggles here on earth? If we start to focus on God, by being in His Word and letting that Word permeate our hearts and minds and lives, then our attitudes toward those struggles and conflicts will change.

On Sunday, at King of Kings, we'll be looking at the Bible verses about the calling of the twelve disciples. We'll also be singing the hymn "Listen, God is Calling". How do we listen to God's calling in our lives? That's quite challenging, in our busy, hectic, sound-filled lives. So many noises and voices to listen to, but how do we pick God's voice out of the cacophony of sound? We have to intentionally stop what we're doing, and set aside time for God. It doesn't have to be an intentional hour daily, but 10 minutes here and there to read Scripture, pray, be silent and meditate. What I have found to be a blessing to me, but I admit, I haven't done it lately as much as I should, is to take time in the morning or during the day, and go for a walk, put my headphones on, and listen to God-centered music. This focuses me as I start my day, but also gives me time to pray the words to the songs and meditate on God's Word and promises to me. There are many ways to be quiet and listen to God's voice, we all have to figure out what individually works for us.

So, God's calling and peace. You would think that those two wouldn't go too well together. But they sure do! God's calling can lead us to very uncomfortable (to us) and some not so peace-filled settings. But when we listen to God's calling, and go through those challenges and strife and have the opportunity to be stretched, built up, and strengthened by God, we'll start to understand His peace a whole lot more!