Peace in Good Shepherd

                          

Peace in Good Shepherd 

“For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion, in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up on a rock” Psa. 27: 5. 

Strong's Hebrew: 7473. רֹעִי (roi) -- Shepherd - Bible Hub

Isaiah 44:28 records the Lord calling Cyrus “My shepherd,” commissioning a pagan ruler to oversee Judah’s restoration. The title asserts divine sovereignty over nations and illustrates how God can …[i]

Strong's Greek: 4166. ποιμήν (poimén) -- Shepherd - Bible Hub

4166 poimḗn – properly, a shepherd ("pastor" in Latin); (figuratively) someone who the Lord raises up to care for the total well-being of His flock (the people of the Lord).[ii]

         God is our good shepherd, and He wants to bless us, lead us, guide us, and teach us. If someone is wounded; lost the focus of following Him, He is more than willing to  lead and guide. King David, believed that a life spent seeking God will make him understand the measure of safety and security, even in the presence of enemies all around.  

The term “ oppressed is from the Hebrew word adah ( אדה), which means “to be crushed under affliction” or “to have a heavy weight on top of something.” The word for “trouble” is tsarar ( צָרַר), which means “to be bound up”; it could also come from the root word batsar (בָּצַר), meaning “a pruning” (Chaim Bentorah).

 

“Two things make the head hang down – fear and shame; hope easeth the Christian’s heart of both these, and so forbids him to give any sign of a desponding mind by a dejected countenance.” (Gurnall, cited in Spurgeon)

 

“It was not the earthly temple itself that charmed David but rather the beauty of the Lord that was to be found at the temple in a special way.” (Boice)

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast, (Ephe. 2:8-9). 

Strong's Greek: 5485. χάρις (charis) -- Grace, favor, kindness, blessing

Grace is the first word of the gospel, the sustaining power of discipleship, and the final benediction of Scripture: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all” (Revelation 22:21).[iii] 

The gift of grace, can be understood differently. For example think of a water hose. The water is the important part, and it is brought to us through the hose. The hose becomes the grace for the water  which comes to us and this quenches our thirst. But the hose (Grace) brings water to the place and we all can benefit from it.

Neurochemistry: The Role of Neurotransmitters

The feeling of grace is also linked with neurochemical changes:

Serotonin: Elevated serotonin levels are associated with mood regulation and feelings of well-being. Psychedelic studies show that enhanced serotonin receptor activity can induce mystical sensations reflective of grace. Dopamine: Often called the “reward” neurotransmitter, dopamine increases during positive emotional states, contributing to joy and motivation experienced during spiritual moments. Oxytocin: Known as the “bonding hormone,” oxytocin promotes trust, empathy, and social connection—key features in experiences characterized by grace. Endorphins: Natural painkillers produced by the brain can induce euphoria and reduce stress during deep meditative or prayerful states.[iv]

         Our thoughts may sink, our hopes may run out, the day may groan, our hearts’ string may snap, our soul may be in anguish, sin- burdened souls may writhe in pain and despair.  But, God who, individually fashioned us in our mother’s womb, has endorsed in our internal faculties (heart and brain), all that is necessary for survival in this planet earth.

       There is a science behind the feeling of grace. Experience of grace, can be described as the profound sense of peace: peace with Jesus Christ. We are more than conquerors (believers) overcomes with great power, motive, victory, and love in Christ. 

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[i] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › hebrew

[ii] Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › greek

[iii]https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=395&q=Greek+word+for+grace&cv

[ iv]The Science Behind the Feeling of Grace: Neuroscience and Spirituality

This article delves into the intersection of neuroscience and spirituality to explain the science behind the feeling of grace, exploring what happens in the brain during these moments and how spirituality might …