By Sherelyn Mayberry
Synopsis: Sherelyn contemplates a song written by her sister, Anne Stevens. Sacred Scripture has much to say about the overlapping themes of our yearning for peace and hope.
The song, Grant Me Peace and Hope (PHSS #381), is a plea to God for deliverance, comfort, and salvation. Do you find yourself in despair, being lost in sin? Where will you go for deliverance? Are you sorry for your transgressions and seeking to find relief from your guilt? Do earthly trials weigh heavily on your shoulders? Go to the Lord and seek His solace. You can find peace and hope in Him. “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them” (Isa. 9:2).
Those walking in sin are lost in darkness and need to find their way. Since we all stumble and fall, we need someone to guide our feet and help us out of the pit. The Lord is the Light who can direct our path. He shines on those sitting in the shadow of death and guides their feet in the way of peace (Micah 7:8-9; Luke 1:79). For those seeking to walk uprightly, He is a light arising from the darkness, showing graciousness, compassion, and righteousness (Ps. 112:4). Being lost in the darkness of spiritual prison, we yearn for liberty, i.e., to be set free (Isa. 42:7). The Israelites were admonished in the deep darkness of sin. They had no peace, having faltered, since they would not listen to the warnings (Jer. 13:16). Their feet stumbled, their hearts having turned to gloom. On the other hand, God is good to the pure in heart. He will take hold of our hand and guide us to glory (Ps. 73:1-2, 23-24).
After stumbling, Israel returned to the Lord, asking God to take away their sin, which He graciously did (Hos. 14:1-2). We can be like Israel, enjoying renewed peace, if we approach God with penitent hearts. Ask God to pardon your iniquity (Ps. 25:11). Christ bore our infirmities on the cross. He was pierced for our transgressions. The punishment for our wrongs was upon Him (Isa. 53:4-5).
Therefore, when we have doubts, we can look to Him to strengthen our faith and give us hope. Thomas doubted until he saw and felt the prints of Jesus’s piercings and said, “My Lord and my God.” Do not doubt! Look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Iniquities are a heavy burden (Ps. 38:4). The Lord daily bears our burden, so cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you. He will not allow the righteous to be moved (Ps. 68:19; 55:22).
We also face earthly trials which weigh us down. Sickness may rob our peace. Yet, the prayer of faith restores the one who is ill. “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (Jas. 5:15-16). Fleshly weakness may lead us into temptation, so let us be on guard and pray that your faith does not falter (Matt. 26:41). The loss of loved ones may leave us broken-hearted. Remember that the Lord is always near. He loves and comforts us in our crushed state (Ps. 34:18). We, like Job, should seek God, for He uplifts those who mourn. Be the faithful friend for the despairing one, so that through your kindness, he will not forsake the Lord (Job 5:8, 11; 6:14). When your righteous life is ending, be glad, for your reward is great (Luke 6:23). If you are faithful through trials, your eternal home will be in heaven with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:1, 8).
Plead for the Lord’s peace and hope. “The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace” (Ps. 29:11). So, love God’s law, keep it, and have comfort, so you will not stumble (Ps. 119:165, 167). If we set our mind on the Spirit, which reveals God’s word and offers salvation, we have life and peace (Rom 8:6). Therefore, let us be anxious in nothing. Pray and be thankful, and the peace of God will guard your heart in Christ (Phil. 4:6-7). The God of hope, who fills our heart with peace in believing, causes our hope of everlasting life to abound (Rom. 15:13). So, do not be troubled. Long for the place that Christ has prepared for us so that we might be with Him for eternity (John 14:1-3).
