Peace Flowing From Conscious Relationship

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 9
As regards settled peace, the great secret is the full and abiding consciousness that in us there is no good, and looking ever at Christ as our only and own perfect righteousness before God. But there is another kind of peace which we must not confound with this, the peacefulness of heart which flows from conscious relationship with God. When this is in simple exercise, we rest in the sense of His goodness, and enjoy it, and this is very sweet to the soul. If we are not walking in heart or ways in consistency with this relationship, then we have to think of ourselves, and at any rate by God's own discipline, we do not enjoy the light of His countenance in the same way. We must not confound this with righteousness. This is ignorance of divine righteousness, and tends to put us back under law and make us doubt. This is not of the Spirit. The Holy Ghost dwelling in us cannot make us doubtful of our relationship with God. He is the Spirit of adoption, "crying Abba, Father," but He does make us sensitive of the approbation of God and what suits His presence. Abel had testimony by his gifts (that is, Christ, the Lamb,) that " he was righteous," but Enoch, before his translation, had this testimony "that he pleased God." You may find the two kinds of rest in John 14:2727Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27). Our present relationship is a constant source of joy, and to be carefully cherished. Our righteousness, on which it is founded, is unchangeable in the presence of God. The gracious Lord keep us walking diligently.