08/19/2023
Are there things in our lives that distract us from focusing on Jesus Christ? We all know them when they occur... an unresolved argument that worries and distracts us during prayer, a problem with our home or automobile that nags at us when we sit to read and study scripture, or perhaps too many planned activities in our day that tempt us to place them before our worship. Is this your life?
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 ESV
Neither God nor Jesus wants to play second fiddle... They want to be first and foremost in our lives, and they will help us remove the obstacles that stand in our way of doing this if we so desire. Is that truly your desire? If it is then bring these issues to Jesus, and He will settle, heal, and organize your life to suit God's purposes, and give you peace, as He blesses you with rest for your soul.
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."”
Matthew 11:29-30 ESV
The easiest things to resolve are the material ones... don't put off fixing them until the problems have mounted to the point of becoming overwhelming! Fix each broken thing in your car and home as it breaks, and be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day... always place your faith first and then fill in the space around it with those things you need to accomplish; not the other way around! Jesus can help you do these things if you pray for His help and guidance.
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Philippians 4:6 ESV
The more difficult issues for us to solve are the spiritual ones, and yes, the things involving relationships. There are times when Ann and I have an argument about something... I know you find that just unfathomable... right? No, everyone has disagreements in their marriages and relationships, but when they occur you will notice some common attributes. The first is that for the duration of the argument you are unsettled spiritually. You go to the Lord in prayer and the issue you are having overshadows your spiritual peace, and reaching out to God becomes difficult. The second is that you are reluctant to admit to the Lord that the disagreement could possibly be your fault, and third... you ask for a resolution so that your spiritual life can once again become settled and focused.
God knows we will have arguments, and He knows we will become angry, but He also wishes for us to quickly resolve these disputes and not to let them fester. When we find ourselves focusing on our anger, and becoming intransigent, then Satan has an open door into our soul. Listen to what Paul says regarding this...
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”
Ephesians 4:26-27 ESV
If we want to see an example of what not to do in a disagreement... just look at our nation today. There is no reconciliation, debate has ceased, political walls have been built up, and Satan is ruling the day. Don't let this be the way you handle adversity in your personal life, family, and marriage. Seek God's moderation in your disagreements, and take His ruling as your hard and fast resolution. Amazingly, we are not always right! Surprising isn't it? But fortunately God is. He can lead us to agreement and contrition if we listen to Him... ASK, and LISTEN. Let God rule your life and not your own emotions and selfishness. We may be right this time, but perhaps not... let the Lord show us the path to take and trust in Him. Put away your pride and selfishness, and lean on love and understanding. Most of all, don't be slow to give, or ask for, forgiveness.
If we do these things it will remove the roadblocks that impair our spiritual peace, and quickly restore our relationship with one another, and God, to their proper balance. Don't let your everyday worldly life encumber your faith. Let nothing overshadow your ability to pray and focus on the Father and Jesus Christ. Remove the obstructions before they have an opportunity to pile up and become insurmountable. One step at a time, one problem at a time... each done in perfect order will keep us from stumbling or falling.
So, if you are in an argument, swallow your pride and be the peacemaker... do it today... RIGHT NOW! Make becoming a peacemaker a priority in every aspect of your life. If there are broken things in your life that distract you from your faith write them down and begin fixing them one at a time... NOW! And, if your life is too busy and you are prioritizing worldly tasks before your spiritual needs then step back and reorganize your life; lay out your spiritual day and then pack the world into the free spaces that are left... do it NOW! If you can do these things then you will find peace and contentment will flow over you, and the peace of Christ will return to your life. Always remember this... Jesus didn't run from place to place... He walked in peace and was guided by God's will.
““Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:9
Prayer:
Father I thank you for guiding me through the conflicts in my life. I thank you for helping me resolve the disagreements so that I can continue worshipping you without any of the distractions of unfinished worldly business that worries or torments me. Holy Father you bring peace to my life and you restore joy where suffering and anger once ruled. I praise your wisdom and knowledge in all things and ask that you impart a measure of them to me so that I can quickly resolve those things that distract my attention from you. I ask that you remove my selfishness and pride Lord. Let love and reason rule the day in my spiritual pursuits, my home, my life, and my marriage. Help me to close the door of disagreement on the devil whenever conflict arises. Father, give him no entrance into my life and help me lead my family away from his clutches. Gracious Lord, help me to order my life in a way that places you first in all things. Never let me allow my desires, wants, or cares to come before you. Let my trust always be in you and your ability to resolve and sequence all things of my life for your glory. Praised be your name, for you are the great mediator, the fixer of lives, the Holy Peacemaker, and the savior of souls... in you is righteousness, holiness, peace, and joy forever. Let your Holy Spirit bring peace, rest, and calm to my spirit and prayers… NOW, and FOREVERMORE. Help me Father to be a peacemaker, so that I will be called your child; a son of God.
Rich Forbes