All in Peace
Have you ever experienced rest in your life? I am not talking about a good night’s sleep, but an escape from all that troubles you, and total recuperation of mental, and bodily strength... a complete refreshing of Spirit and soul? Well if you have then you know what our verse this morning is talking about, but if not, then it is time to listen to Jesus and come to Him.
Do you fret over the condition of the country and this world? Do you wring your hands and cry out “Lord! Lord! Look at what is being done and the harm there is to your people!” Well if you do, then stop! Ours is to trust in Him who created all things, and to leave princes and principalities to He who established them. We are like the grasses that cover the earth. We may brown with drought, but we have faith in the showers. The trees will wither and die, but the grass returns with the rain, dark clouds and lightning are the harbinger of mercy.
Are you in the habit of beginning each day in prayer, contemplation, and reading scripture? Do you offer this as a time dedicated to the Lord, and in which the two of you can be alone together? Do you rise early and go into your prayer closet where you call His name and wait upon Him? If so you already know how spiritually refreshing that time is, but if not, I would encourage you to do so... mornings are a special time with the Lord, and of new beginning.
Are you having a hard time touching God with your prayers? Do you pray only to find an empty feeling, and conclude by wondering if God has heard you at all? If this is so, then it is time to look not at God, but inward into yourself. Upon introspection you will find something in you that is standing between the Lord, and you... a sin you cherish more than the Peace of Christ, and your heavenly relationship; a sin that needs to be severed from you before you can reinvigorate your conversation with God.
Feeling the Peace of Christ is one of the most treasured and coveted aspects of the Christian faith; it is a reward for obedience and is our harvest for believing, and living our lives as Jesus instructed us. Do you have the Peace of Christ today? Do you understand the difference between the peace of the world and the Peace of Christ?
Do we let the happenings of the world trouble us and destroy the faith and tranquility we have in Jesus Christ? Are we so worried about what is occurring in our day to day lives that we can no longer see or feel the eternal truth, which is that Jesus suffered so we should be redeemed; that we should have peace and rest? If so it is time we started stripping the meaningless outer layers away from our life of faith, and get down to the one thing that truly matters... the Cross.
How intimate are you with Jesus? Is your relationship close enough, and deep enough, that you don’t keep secrets, and that you can do the grossest of natural things in front of Him without embarrassment? Can you sit under a tree for hours and tell Him your wildest dreams or confide in Him your darkest thoughts? I encourage you to not have a handshake relationship with Jesus... become more than acquaintancesin your faith and in Him.
Do you know the peace of Jesus Christ? When your life is being torn apart by calamity do you find rest and peace in Him? In Christ we find a peace unlike any other; not the carefree blue sky feeling of the trouble free, but the deep and abiding peace given in the midst of chaos. A peace that defies all understanding.
Are there things in your life that distract you from focusing on Jesus Christ? You know the ones... an unresolved argument that worries and distracts you during prayer, a problem with your home or automobile that nags at you when you sit to read and study scripture, or perhaps too many planned activities in your day that tempt you to place them before worship. Is this your life?
Is what God is doing , or not doing, in your life a frustrating mystery? Do you pray for a certain thing over and over again, but it doesn't seem to be heard? How about the troubles in your life; does God's plan for you regarding them stump you? Well don't feel alone, but let's explore this.
Is your relationship with God all you have of value in your life? Have you given up self to Him, or do you think you are a bargain for God at any price? The least thought that we might be of value, of service, to the Father removes us from His hand.
Are there clouds in your life, and if so what do they look like? Are they the big billowy white ones of a bright summer day? How about the thin wispy ones that stretch out as if forever? Or, are they the dark churning clouds that tower into the sky filled with lightning and ominous rolls of thunder? God is in the clouds... how does He come to you today?
When I came to Jesus it was in full submission to Him, but have I served Him over all else in my life? Have I been the servant He expected me to be, or has my commitment to Him become a convenience on my part? These are my thoughts this morning, and they convict me.
This morning I read of God's provision and gifts to us. I am strengthening myself in the understanding that He is always there, always good, and always hears and answers my prayers. My confidence in these facts forms the basis for my expectation in Him and relieves me of worry.
Carrying anger or hatred in us for long periods of time, that is my concentration this morning. Do we resolve issues quickly and move to forgive in a timely manner, or are we suffering as we carry that baggage day after day. What does God's Word tell us about this?