“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13

How do we find joy and peace when things seem so out of control and unpredictable? When our marriage seems doomed, our family relationships appear un-mendable, our prodigal children seem so far away and unreachable and all hope seems lost.

We change the lens by which we view the world and our circumstances in it, by opening our hearts and minds to the truth found in God’s word. The Bible is not just a book to adorn our bookshelf or an accessory we carry to church on Sunday morning;  it should be the flashlight we carry on our daily journeys to light our path and guide our steps. Just like a light turned on in a dark room allows us to know what is truly in the room; God’s word of light and truth in our hearts allows us to clearly see the true condition of our circumstances against the backdrop of eternity.

The enemy who comes to kill, steal and destroy loves the darkness and dwells richly within its boundaries. As long as you do not turn on the light (open your Bible) the truth is whatever your mind can perceive it to be within the shadows of darkness and the unknown. It also can paint false illusions and perceptions that entertain and grow in the blindness of your mind.

The more you open your heart, mind and Bible the more the light will illuminate the dark places. As you begin to trust in God and His unchanging word you will be filled with peace and joy that surpasses all understanding. Others will notice that you have peace and joy in the midst of chaos and your life will be a reflection of the light that dwells in you.

It has been said there is power in positive thinking and while there may be some truth in that theory, there is wonder working power found in putting your trust in the one true God.

A broken marriage can only be mended by trusting God to make the necessary changes in our lives that will facilitate growth, rebuild trust and redeem the broken pieces.  We may not be able to change our spouse or maybe even our circumstances but we can change our perspective of both and within our new view find a glimpse of hope or an enlighten truth that inspires change within us that will then birth change in our relationship.

A single family member can become the light that shines unconditional love and understanding that will lead to reconciliation. Changing not only their own view of life but giving hope that others within the family will readjust their view as well.

Trusting in the truth will give a parent the hope they need to endure during the time they wait for their son or daughter to find the way back home and the strength to accept that the decision is theirs.

We within our own power cannot have true peace and joy. It is only supplied via trust and acceptance of Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Then we are filled with the Holy Spirit who supplies all the strength we need.

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.

1 Peter 2:9

This verse in 1 Peter gives us our identity and purpose.  As Christians we are a chosen people who belong to a God who transforms our lives from death to life; with love, grace and mercy.  We are a “peculiar” people; now this description I find very interesting and identifiable!  Is God calling us strange and unusual?  Lets find out what Webster has to say about this word Peculiar.

1. Characteristic of only one person, group or thing. Distinctive

2. Different from the usual  or normal

We are a chosen people who belong to God (distinctive). We shout praises to Him who has brought us out of the darkness into HIS marvelous light (different unusual).  It appears that we encompass the totality of the definition of “Peculiar”

When we accept Jesus and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit we become “peculiar”. You see, we now belong to a distinctive group, [the family of God] and we will begin a process of different and unusual behaviors as we begin the transformation from the old to the new.

We begin to bear the fruit of the spirit which is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  This fruit is contrary to the sinful nature of mankind and therefore is very often perceived as strange or unusual behavior.

Let’s put this into perspective.  Love is the very core of a believer’s life. Love covers a multitude of sins.  This means that because of our identity as a chosen people we choose to love as Christ loved us.  This is most definitely a “peculiar” love because it is a love not based on any action or merit but unconditionally and freely given.   We have joy that also is not based on any action or the current condition of our circumstances, but is a “peculiar” joy that comes from our focus on our heritage and our inheritance which far surpasses any circumstance we may find ourselves in.  We aspire to peace as much as it depends on us by exercising  patience, kindness, goodness and self control.  When the non-believing world looks at us they should see a “Peculiar” people; distinctively linked to one God with behavior that is different from the norm.

In your home you should have a servant heart. Your posture should be that of how can I serve my family today, instead of what has my family done for me today; or the attitude of “look at all I have done for you”.  It should come from a life surrendered and a humble heart.

At work you should have a servant heart.  Being a team player who wants to accomplish what is best for the business not what’s best for your own personal gain.

You should have a Christ like heart for people.  Just as Christ loved you abundantly with grace and mercy, you should reflect that same love to those you come in contact with.

I know what you are thinking, are you crazy? No not crazy just “peculiar” thanks for noticing!