Daily Devotions

A plea  often heard from counselling clients is “I am so tired of all the bickering, conflict, strife, and stress; I need some peace in my life.” I understand the need for a break from the strife and discord that often characterise life in a fallen world. In fact, I share it. We live in a world in which we are beset daily by  what someone has called, “cacophonous squabbling, animosity, and disunity.”  

Discord and controversy virtually leap off the pages of your morning newspaper and shout at you from nightly news programs. Civility and decorum have given way to volume and vitriol. 

Reports of road rage, mass shootings, workplace violence, rioting mobs, sideline rage, terrorism, political discord, and armed conflict monopolise media coverage in all of its forms. Politeness and courtesy in public discourse seem to be a thing of the past. Frankly, there is a lot of ugliness in the world and it can be difficult if not impossible to get away from it. Add to this the conflicts that occur in personal and work relationships and it is easy to see why so many people cry out for peace and harmony in their lives. 

Jesus knew this all too well when he said, “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied.  “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:31-33

These words of Jesus are the foundation and basis for Christian hope. Our hope in life is based on the victory of Jesus over death, and on his ongoing presence in our lives. His is a saving and energising presence, and it gives the courage and conviction we develop in prayer. He has conquered anything that can make for discouragement and despair.

Why not ponder today on John Oxenham’s great hymn.

1 Peace in our time, O Lord,

To all the peoples—peace!

Peace surely based upon thy will

And built in righteousness.

Thy power alone can break

The fetters that enchain

The sorely stricken soul of life,

And make it live again.

2 Too long mistrust and fear

Have held our souls in thrall;

Sweep through the earth, keen Breath of Heaven,

And sound a nobler call!

Come, as thou didst of old,

In love so great that men

Shall cast aside all other gods

And turn to thee again.

3 O shall we never learn

The truth all time has taught,

That without God as architect

Our building comes to naught?

Lord, help us, and inspire

Our hearts and lives that we

May build, with all thy wondrous gifts,

A Kingdom meet for thee.

4 Peace in our time, O Lord,

To all the peoples-peace!

Peace that shall build a glad new world,

And make for life’s increase.

O, living Christ, who still

Dost all our burdens share,

Come now and dwell within the hearts

Of all men everywhere. Amen