There’s a “peace that passes all understanding” that comes with knowing who God is. When, by faith, we are confident in God’s unchanging character, we can rest; rest in His unchanging nature, rest in His sovereign power, rest in His eternal promises.
I can almost hear Paul telling Timothy, with unwavering confidence and conviction, “for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” (2 Timothy 1:12) These words come as Paul is facing certain death for boldly preaching the gospel message. He isn’t cowering in fear. Paul is standing securely on God’s promise to usher him safely into the presence of His Savior, for whom he lived — and must also die.
As Paul passes the torch this young man who is like a son to him, he reminds Timothy to stand firm, no matter what. Stand firm through the trials and hardship. Stand firm as long as God gives him breath. Stand firmly on God’s Word; the trustworthy and true, active and living, imperishable word of God that holds the keys to an abundant temporal life and a glorious eternal life in God’s presence.
Daniel W. Whittle drew on this verse to write his hymn staunchly declaring his confidence and conviction in a voice that echoes Paul’s, a hymn meant to bolster believers as they walk life’s path. Why God would choose any of us to be His children, His friends and His heirs is a great mystery. None of us are worthy of His love, His grace, His mercy or His kindness. We all deserve His wrath, His judgement, His holy rejection. Still, through Christ’s work on the cross, He extended to us what none of us could earn for ourselves – and opportunity to stand before Him, forgiven and purified through the blood of His perfect Son if only we will repent of our sins, seek God’s forgiveness and walk with Him by faith.
There are still many unknowns in this life. But if we are in Christ, we can rest in Him. We can declare our confidence in God’s unwavering character and know, without a doubt, He will preserve our spiritual investments until we meet Him face to face. We can find to peace to distill our fears when we face fiery trials in this life because we are confident in the One we have believed.
For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say:
“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5b-6)