The Hidden Peace: Finding True . . .
Joel Muddamalle released his first book, The Hidden Peace: Finding True Security, Strength, and Confidence Through Humility (Thomas Nelson) in 2024. Joel currently serves as director of theology and research at Proverbs 31 Ministries (Lysa TerKeurst). In addition, Joel ministers on the preaching team at Transformation Church in Indian Land, SC. First, Joel notes, the peace Scripture leads us into originates with humility. Also, humility consists of three parts (in this order): rightly understanding God, ourselves, and others. And God, who made us in His likeness and image, expects us to display His attributes. Yet, Joel states, it’s impossible for us to see ourselves as we really should. Unless we see God as He truly is.
Therefore, when we humbly accept our limits, we gladly rest in God’s vastness. Because as we cultivate humility, that helps us see that God possesses control over every situation and circumstance. And can bring good out of them. Furthermore, the reality of our lack of control provides opportunity to exchange our desire for control for the gift of humble faith. Thus, we need to see weakness and vulnerability as necessities for living in communion with God. The power of humility, the hidden peace, lies in the clarity it brings us. Through humility, God breathes life into us. That allows the fruit of the Spirit to grow in the soil of humility.
Most significantly, self-awareness serves as a bridge to humility and all its life-changing gifts. It starts the Christian life and is a quality we’re meant to possess every day of our life in Christ. A fragrance that marks every Christian virtue. Hence, the hidden peace, the rest Jesus gives us, makes it possible to carry our burdens well. As a result, out of love, we adopt the attitude of Christ Jesus. And, Joel notes, the blessing and benefit we receive is so worth the cost. But we need to foster a lifestyle of humility through investing in our personal, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.
In conclusion, Joel observes, the apostle Paul presented humility as the identity-forming virtue that should mark all Christians. Because we find ourselves in Christ, it therefore makes sense that we identify ourselves with Him in all things. Especially humility. For it protects our hearts in the midst of life’s incredible humiliations. Things that lurk around the corner, waiting to undo us. Certainly, then, we need boundaries rooted in a humble spirit. When handled the right way, they bring peace and make it easier to relate to others. Boundaries establish order. In turn, we need order to experience the hidden peace. Then we feel confident as we face our fears and attain courage to walk through the hurts.
Lastly, Joel exhorts:
“Welcome to the humble life. . . . You get to move through your days walking right beside Jesus, sharing his gentle yoke, wearing his humility clothes of victory and virtue. . . . You become an avenue for others to experience the power and strength of Jesus. Welcome to the Jesus way of life that gives us stability and steadiness. Of confidence and courage. Of peace in you, through you, and round you.”