In meditating on several passages in Acts all referring to God’s grace, an experience recounted in Hannah Whital Smith’s book, THE CHRISTIAN’S SECRET OF A HAPPY LIFE, came to my mind. She recounted how a person had come to her full of anxiety and fear. This person begged God to show her whether He really was in everything or not.
God answered her prayer with a vision ~ she saw herself surrounded by a bright circle of Light, from which a Voice came, proclaiming, “This is the Presence of God! This is the Presence of God!” Through the circle she could see all the happenings of the world, the sorrows and pain, tragedies and sin, but not one of them could pass through the circle, except as the Presence divided to let the evil through. She saw herself in a state of perfect calm, undisturbed by whatever passed before her eyes. Even petty annoyances which had previously upset her no longer were able to shake this inner peace. She came to understand that all things were either sent or permitted by the providence of God, and by living in His presence He could keep her heart at peace in the midst of every circumstance.
Merlin’s Carother’s books on the Power of Praise come to mind here, as by example after example he shows how living in a trusting relationship with God, praising Him in All circumstances, brings that inner peace we desire to live the happy Christian life. Romans 8:28 becomes foundational to this reality: “All things work for good, for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” He has called us; we love Him; we desire to cooperate with the purpose He has set forth for us!
Lord God, may I remain in the awareness of being surrounded by Your Shield of Grace, in Your presence! May I believe in my heart that truly everything works for good for those who love You, and may I be one of those who live this truth, to be a credible witness of faith in You, evidenced by Your peace reigning in my heart…
Spiritual Sun Pennies 