Great Peace and the Love of God

"Great peace have those who love Your law." Psalms 119:165

I love Psalms 119. It's the longest chapter in the Bible broken into 22 sections as an acrostic poem based on the Hebrew alphabet. I've marveled at this passage for years due to the recognition of God's law, testimony commandments or some other similar words mentioned in almost every single one of the 176 verses. There are many that stand out, but this one about the peace that comes when you love God's law, is by far my favorite. 

It reminds me of the state I strive to be in. A state of peace. I desire this, because much of my young adult life I've spent grovelling in the opposite state of peace: anxiety, worry, fear. After years of battling, I've learned many things along the way. One thing I've appreciated is the idea of simply resting and trusting in God's way. His way is found in His law, and His law is the law of love. According to Matt 22:37-40, Jesus says, the first commandment is that "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 

Many people break this down into saying, love God and love man. When we operate out of love for God and man, our lives become simple. We no longer strive for selfish gain, indulgences, or personal profit. Loving others brings great Peace. Jesus says, "...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." (John 14:27) As I face situations that perplex me or trigger an anxiety-filled response, I can ask God,

"What is the most loving way to handle this? 

"Show me how your law of love is relevant here so I can experience that great Peace that you promise." 

The love of God settles my soul. The peace I receive, I want to impart to the generations after me, to my children and my children's children. God's law of love is the great healer, the balm that soothes my nerves. I accept His peace, the kind that passes all understanding, the kind that guards my heart and mind. Great Peace have those that love His law. I am thankful for this truth. For all of these things, I am grateful.