The
Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with
peace. Psalm 29:11 (NIV)
Car
problems, computer problems, financial problems, relationship
problems, health problems, the list goes on and on regarding the
things that steal away our peace. Just when we think we have found
peace, something arises to steal it away.
I
have been trying very hard lately to stay in peace. Recognizing that
stress is making my physical condition much worse, peace is becoming
a necessity rather than a fine idea.
I
really thought I was getting there and then last night I got a
frantic call from my aunt telling me that my mother was being
care-flighted to a hospital because she had passed out and was in
terrible condition. Such news not only deletes our peace but also
chases it right out of the country. Of course we respond correctly
with fear and concern about such terrible events, but that is exactly
the sort of situation where we need peace the most.
While
praying about peace the Lord reminded me that peace comes from
within—not from without. Of course peace is impossible to attain if
it derives from circumstances. Yet if peace rises up within us from
the “Prince of Peace” who abides inside of us through His Holy
Spirit then we have a source of peace that is greater than the
conditions without or our present circumstances.
Stress,
fear, danger, worry, doubt, tragedy, such things will always affect
us for we live in a world of problems and travails. Yet Jesus is the
source of peace we need and must rely upon in all circumstances.
We
do not all live in a quiet cabin beside a peaceful stream in the
middle of nowhere. Nevertheless, with God as the Captain and Guide of
our life we can find peace, walk in peace, and live in peace despite
our changing circumstances and outward conditions. Will it always be
easy? No. It takes time, experience, and ongoing faith to find peace
in this troubled world but it all starts with trusting Jesus and
relying upon Him to find peace because of our relationship with Him.
Prayer:
We have so many good reasons not to be at peace Lord, help us to
remember You are the One reason to be at peace no matter what comes
our way.
Karlton
Douglas
Copyright
2017
Good article. It's something I find myself struggling with. Wanting to find peace and quiet in a life with constant trials. Finally get past one only for another to crop up. Though I sure would like that cabin by the stream!
ReplyDeleteYes, I want that cabin also :)
ReplyDeleteIt seems all we do is put out one fire and another starts, yet somehow God gets us through it all.
I hope you and your family are doing well.
Thanks and Blessings!
Karlton
I think part of the problem is that, when I've let life take over, really bad things have happened. When I took charge of life, I was better able to face it. As a result, I've developed a need for being in control, which is good at times, bad at others. Learning when to let go and when to take charge is a constant battle I struggle with. In some ways, perhaps, true peace will only be found in the next life. But you are right, I should try harder to seek it in the here and now from the one who, "provides a peace that surpasses all understanding." Yet why is that so hard to do? And why is it so hard to know "when" to do?
ReplyDeleteKarlton - praying for your mom and hoping all has been evaluated well at this time.
ReplyDeleteIt is so true how many events can pile up and grab at our peace. I have known that so often. I try and remember Jesus in the boat sound asleep and in control when the storms came and the apostles were freaking out. At least it points me in the right direction.
God bless -
Lynn
Thanks Lynn. Mom is home now. Her episode was caused by terrible kidney function. It looks like she may need dialysis because her kidneys are barely working.
DeleteI was just reading where Jesus told Peter to walk on the water and Peter was fine until he took his eyes off of Jesus. How many times we take our eyes off of Jesus and begin to panic about 'the wind and the waves' in our life.
James,
ReplyDeleteI've noticed the problem for me at least is trying too hard to control things makes peace harder to come by. Surrendering to God brings me peace but my natural inclination is to try and control everything. My peace disappears the moment that things I've surrendered to God I take hold of again and try to control. Letting go of things is one of the hardest things in life. Of course that does not mean we have no part to play. God will guide, nudge, caution, and lead us but that too is hard to do when we want complete control of everything in our life.