Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble.

When we think about God’s supply we generally think about material things, but here the Psalmist brings out that God supplies peace as well. Peace can be in short supply! Not only is it lacking on the geopolitical stage, it is especially lacking in many hearts. That said, God’s peace isn’t automatic. The condition mentioned here is loving God’s law. Even many Christians don’t actually love God’s law. They might love the idea of salvation, but they don’t love the idea of going by His rules as a response to His salvation. It’s not that God is stingy with His peace, it’s just that peace is a natural outflow of a right relationship with Him, and you aren’t going to have that if you are in rebellion against Him. We tend to forget what John said: “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3) We tend to be so rebellious that we think any commands are burdensome, not realizing that every one of God’s commands are simply to keep us out of trouble. There are people who would do almost anything to have real peace, but at the same time they ignore God’s laws. They are simply deceiving themselves, and that never ends well.

I have had my moments of feeling low on peace, which gives me all the more assurance that this verse is spot on. In general, however, people have tended to be envious of the peace they perceive in me. That brings me to what Peter said: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15 (ANIV) If I am demonstrating God’s peace, that will give me opportunities to share the Gospel with others, as they notice that peace and desire it for themselves.

Father, thank You for Your peace, and for the knowledge of You and Your love and grace that gives it to me. Help me indeed love all that You tell me, through Your Word and otherwise, so that I may not stumble but walk in all that You intend for me, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!