For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 23:18 (NKJV)
I’ve read the Bible all the way through before (and I’m working on reading it through again), but as I read certain passages yet again, invariably something “new” stands out to me. Such is the case with today’s verse. It’s a promise that there is a heaven – there is a hope of eternal life in a perfect world. And the promise is that our hope will not be cut off. Our hope will be fulfilled. In other words, eternal life is not just a hope, it WILL be a reality! All we have to do is accept Jesus’s sacrifice on our behalf and believe on Him, and the gift of salvation is ours (John 3:16)!
I believe that Jesus is coming again VERY soon! When He does, the righteous dead who are sleeping in their graves will be raised up, and we will all meet the Lord together in the air (1 Thessalonian 4:16-18). Our hope will then be realized. What a glorious day that will be! We’ll be reunited with our loved ones and will forever live in a perfect paradise, where there is no more death, pain, sorrow, or suffering. Come, Lord Jesus!
Amanda is the founder of Peace for the Storm and a survivor of the San Bernardino terrorist attack on December 2, 2015. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Biology at Southern Adventist University and her Master of Public Health degree in Global Health at Emory University. She is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. Amanda loves reading, singing, playing the piano, traveling, snorkeling and going to art galleries. Her theme song is “Jesus is All the World to Me.”
“Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”
— Joel 2:12 (NKJV) —
I love the first part of this verse, but at first glance the second part may seem a little confusing. Why does Joel say we should approach the Lord with weeping and mourning? It seems like we are being told to be sad and depressed, but that isn’t what this verse really means. I read the chapter in context (which I encourage you to do as well) and it definitely makes sense. This verse also reminded me of the commentary I read on the Beatitude Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4) in the book Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing. I think it is very fitting as well for understanding the second part of Joel 2:12.
The mourning here brought to view is true heart sorrow for sin. Jesus says, “I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.” John 12:32. And as one is drawn to behold Jesus uplifted on the cross, he discerns the sinfulness of humanity. He sees that it is sin which scourged and crucified the Lord of glory. He sees that, while he has been loved with unspeakable tenderness, his life has been a continual scene of ingratitude and rebellion. He has forsaken his best Friend and abused heaven’s most precious gift. He has crucified to himself the Son of God afresh and pierced anew that bleeding and stricken heart. He is separated from God by a gulf of sin that is broad and black and deep, and he mourns in brokenness of heart. Such mourning “shall be comforted.” God reveals to us our guilt that we may flee to Christ, and through Him be set free from the bondage of sin, and rejoice in the liberty of the sons of God. In true contrition we may come to the foot of the cross, and there leave our burdens. Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, pages 9-10.
Far from meaning being sad or depressed, the mourning in Joel 2:12 means true repentance for sin. We aren’t supposed to remain perpetually in “brokenness of heart” for our sins, but rather be set free by Jesus! Isn’t it encouraging to know that we can leave ALL our sins at the foot of the cross? Jesus will forgive our sins when we turn to Him with all our heart. What an amazing thought! Jesus loves us so much, and through Him and Him alone we can enjoy true peace and joy.
Amanda is the founder of Peace for the Storm and a survivor of the San Bernardino terrorist attack on December 2, 2015. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Biology at Southern Adventist University and her Master of Public Health degree in Global Health at Emory University. She is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. Amanda loves reading, singing, playing the piano, traveling, snorkeling and going to art galleries. Her theme song is “Jesus is All the World to Me.”
We’ve been having fun watching the Olympics on TV! The determination of the athletes is amazing, and reminds us of what Paul wrote in Philippians. Do we have that singular focus to reach our spiritual goals?
I am particularly touched when an athlete gives credit to Jesus for his or her success and athletic ability. David Boudia and Steele Johnson won the silver medal in men’s synchronized platform diving, and what they said afterwards was impactful.
“There’s been an enormous amount of pressure. I’ve felt it,” said David. “It’s just an identity crisis. When my mind is on this [diving], and I’m thinking I’m defined by this, then my mind goes crazy. But we both know that our identity is in Christ, and we’re thankful for this opportunity to be able to dive in front of Brazil and in front of the United States. It’s been an absolutely thrilling moment for us.”
Steele went on to say, “The way David just described it was flawless – the fact that I was going into this event knowing that my identity is rooted in Christ and not what the result of this competition is just gave me peace … and it let me enjoy the contest,” Johnson told NBC. “If something went great, I was happy. If something didn’t go great, I could still find joy because I’m at the Olympics competing with the best person, the best mentor – just one of the best people to be around. God’s given us a cool opportunity, and I’m glad I could come away with an Olympic silver medal in my first-ever event.”
Our identity is rooted in Christ. Not in what we do for a career, not what has happened to us, not any of the things that the world tells us our identify should be rooted in. Our identity is rooted in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Let’s all determine today to have a stronger relationship with Christ, to daily seek His will in our lives, and to press toward the goal of heaven!
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Amanda is the founder of Peace for the Storm and a survivor of the San Bernardino terrorist attack on December 2, 2015. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Biology at Southern Adventist University and her Master of Public Health degree in Global Health at Emory University. She is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. Amanda loves reading, singing, playing the piano, traveling, snorkeling and going to art galleries. Her theme song is “Jesus is All the World to Me.”
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
— 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV) —
God’s Word has many promises in it! Whenever I see a rainbow, I’m reminded of the promise in Genesis 9:8-17. God had instructed Noah to warn the people about the coming flood, but they ridiculed him. In the end, only Noah and his family were saved. The rainbow was given by God as a symbol of His promise never to destroy the earth by a flood of water again.
Jesus came to earth to save us from the flood of sin created by the devil. Today we don’t have to physically get on an ark to be saved, but we do need to get on board with Christ and His Word! One of my favorite promises is 2 Peter 3:9. As Lindsey was making the Peace for the Storm designs for this week, she connected the idea of the rainbow promise with today’s verse. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
I’m reading the book Christ’s Object Lessons right now, and the author Ellen White writes that “if there had been but one lost soul, Christ would have died for that one.” Isn’t that an incredible thought? Jesus loves you so much that if you were the only sinner on the planet, He still would have gone through all the anguish and suffering to save you. Ultimately the decision to follow Christ is up to each one of us, but He wants more than anything for us to be saved. He literally gave up heaven to come to earth and rescue us!
The next time you see a rainbow, I hope you remember the promises in God’s Word, especially the promise of eternal life to all who believe in Jesus!
Amanda is the founder of Peace for the Storm and a survivor of the San Bernardino terrorist attack on December 2, 2015. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Biology at Southern Adventist University and her Master of Public Health degree in Global Health at Emory University. She is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. Amanda loves reading, singing, playing the piano, traveling, snorkeling and going to art galleries. Her theme song is “Jesus is All the World to Me.”
I want Jesus to walk with me I want Jesus to walk with me All along my pilgrim journey I want Jesus to walk with me
I have always loved this hymn, but recently it has taken on a new significance for me. Due to the extent and nature of my injuries, I was unable to bear weight on my right leg for months. Activities – like getting from the bed to the toilet – which were previously so easy for me became extremely difficult. I began praying, with literally every step, for Jesus to help me. Now I can partially bear weight on my right leg, but each step is still painful, my knee frequently buckles on me, and my gait is not normal. My muscles are still so weak that I cannot stand or walk for very long. Thus I continue my prayers that Jesus and His angels will surround me and help me as I try to walk. I never thought I’d have to learn to walk again as an adult and that the process would be so difficult and painful, but literally every step of the way, Jesus is helping me.
As children we learn to walk and we get so accustomed to it, we don’t give the process a second thought. Before the incident, I would never pray for help to walk to the bathroom. Similarly, we sometimes get so wrapped up in our lives that spiritually we become very independent. We must always remember that “in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). Physically we breathe and move and walk because of Christ’s blessing. And the same is true spiritually. We must always look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, for direction. We can do nothing apart from him. Today and every day, join me in the prayer “I want Jesus to walk with me.”
Amanda is the founder of Peace for the Storm and a survivor of the San Bernardino terrorist attack on December 2, 2015. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Biology at Southern Adventist University and her Master of Public Health degree in Global Health at Emory University. She is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. Amanda loves reading, singing, playing the piano, traveling, snorkeling and going to art galleries. Her theme song is “Jesus is All the World to Me.”
All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
— John 1:3 (NKJV) —
The following free verse poem was written by a friend who wishes to be known as R.S. He has generously contributed this poem to Peace for the Storm.
The God that I know, The God who has revealed Himself to me through His holy Word, The God who surrendered His Son’s life on the cross, so I could have eternal life, The God who gave me free will, The God who created me in His image and likeness, The God who spoke all things into existence, The God who so loved the world, The Creator of heaven and earth,
Is a God of substance. Is a God of consequence.
I live because His breath is inside me. I know because His word is inside me. I believe because His truth is inside me.
I am His temple. I am His bride. I am His child. I am His church.
This is my faith. This is my hope. This is my salvation. This is my strength. This is my resurrection. This is my rising sun. This is my evidence.
I will not be shaken, for I trust the Lord more than I fear the storm.
It seems like no matter where I’ve lived, it’s been somewhere near a river–the Connecticut River, the Columbia River, the Tennessee River. I’ve always been amazed at the life that springs up around these rivers, from the wildlife to the cities and towns themselves. It seems like where water is, there is life.
Today’s verse in Jeremiah also talks about how life flourishes by water. Just like a tree is supplied by the streams where it plants its roots, so we will be nourished by putting our trust and hope in God. Roots driven deeply into the ground, soaked by the waters of the river, will never cease quenching the thirst of the tree, even when harsh conditions come its way, like heat or drought.
I want to be like that tree, planted so firmly in Christ that I will not be shaken when adversity and trials come my way. I want to be so near Christ that I will never be lacking for a source of hope and encouragement. I want to never stop bearing fruit for Him. I want to be nourished by that life-giving water Jesus offered to the woman at the well–the water that will never run dry.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes. But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Lindsey is Amanda’s younger sister and the graphic designer behind the Peace for the Storm images and website. Aside from their day jobs, she and her husband do freelance design at Gallerie Q. They both love God, family, friends, gardening, DIY projects and football.
God’s timing is perfect! We can trust that He will give us what’s best for us, when it’s best for us. Sometimes it’s really hard to be patient, isn’t it? You may be wondering why you haven’t gotten married yet. Or if you’re married and wanting children, you might be asking God why you haven’t been able to have a baby. Maybe your prayer requests are about finding the right college major, or finding the “perfect” apartment or house. Maybe you have a physical injury that you’re asking Jesus to heal. Have you been asking God to fulfill a particular prayer request? You can be certain that He always hears our prayers, and that He will answer them according to His will, in His own good time. Have faith today in Christ and His always-perfect timing! He loves us with an everlasting love and we can trust Him fully.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
Amanda is the founder of Peace for the Storm and a survivor of the San Bernardino terrorist attack on December 2, 2015. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Biology at Southern Adventist University and her Master of Public Health degree in Global Health at Emory University. She is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. Amanda loves reading, singing, playing the piano, traveling, snorkeling and going to art galleries. Her theme song is “Jesus is All the World to Me.”
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
— Matthew 5:4 (NKJV) —
I lost thirteen beloved coworkers on December 2 and I continue to mourn their loss. The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter (John 14:16, KJV) and I have been actively praying for the Comforter to help me in this grieving process. I have also been comforted by the knowledge that Christ understands my sadness. He was called a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3). When He lost his dear friend Lazarus, He wept (John 11:35). I know when I cry, Jesus feels and understands my anguish.
One of my favorite authors, Ellen White, wrote the following about today’s verse.
The blessed Saviour…longs to clasp our hands, to have us look to Him in simple faith, permitting Him to guide us. His heart is open to our griefs, our sorrows, and our trials. He has loved us with an everlasting love and with loving-kindness compassed us about. We may keep the heart stayed upon Him and meditate upon His loving-kindness all the day. He will lift the soul above the daily sorrow and perplexity, into a realm of peace. Think of this, children of suffering and sorrow, and rejoice in hope. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4. — Excerpt from the book Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, page 12.
Reader, I do not know what you may be going through in your life right now, but Jesus does. He is always with you. Have faith in Him. He will help you with whatever trial or struggle you are facing. Pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort you, and He will. Jesus is coming again VERY soon, and in heaven we will never sorrow or mourn again. What a glorious day that will be!!
Amanda is the founder of Peace for the Storm and a survivor of the San Bernardino terrorist attack on December 2, 2015. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Biology at Southern Adventist University and her Master of Public Health degree in Global Health at Emory University. She is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. Amanda loves reading, singing, playing the piano, traveling, snorkeling and going to art galleries. Her theme song is “Jesus is All the World to Me.”
We love this verse! The apostle Paul wrote about letting the peace of God rule in our hearts. And then he also said to be thankful! Being thankful to Jesus and cultivating a spirit of trust and gratitude can actually facilitate peace in your heart! What are you thankful for today? Join us in praising Christ for His many blessings!
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Amanda is the founder of Peace for the Storm and a survivor of the San Bernardino terrorist attack on December 2, 2015. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Biology at Southern Adventist University and her Master of Public Health degree in Global Health at Emory University. She is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. Amanda loves reading, singing, playing the piano, traveling, snorkeling and going to art galleries. Her theme song is “Jesus is All the World to Me.”
