Do you see the repetition? Twice Christ commands, "don't be troubled". How are you doing with that? If you are anything like me, it is unbelievably easy to let our hearts fill with anxiety. Not to make you more nervous, but just think of the day ahead. What is causing concern and stress to rise? I'm guessing there is at least one thing that's fighting to sabotage your peace. Are you waiting for a doctor to call with test results? Is there a sudden, unexpected bill to pay? Are lay-offs at work making the security of employment uncertain? Do you have a child or loved one going through a crisis and you long to help but you don't know how? Are there inexpressible, inner, personal storms brewing that are unsettling and you're wondering if answers will come, and if when they do, will they be answers you want to hear?
There are countless things that try to steal our peace. The truth however is this, all these circumstances above, and many others, don't steal our peace, we lose it. Oh, it might not feel like we have an option to keep it, but we do. When reactions rush to rob us of rest, without reigning in our response we will remain powerless and peace-less.
God's word is very clear that in this world we will have trouble, but He promises us we can have an untroubled heart even while living a troubled life. An untroubled heart doesn't deny events that legitimately need to be discussed, but they don't have to leave us living in distress.
Jesus told His disciples that He was giving them a gift. It was a gift of peace of both mind and heart. Jesus comes to us knowing our need. When we find ourselves feeling lost and confused, He offers us divine comfort.
We will face challenges that we cannot control, no matter how hard we try. Instead of using all our energy fighting to avoid all that can rattle our nerves, we need to be leaning into the Lord. The bottom line is that it's not tranquil circumstances that keep inner peace. It's Jesus, our Prince of Peace.
Have you misplaced your peace? Do the worries of this world have you anxious about tomorrow? May some of the lyrics from one of my favourite songs bring peace to your spirit. Jesus desires you to experience an untroubled heart in Him.
"In this age of uncertainty, questions come to my mind.
What is waiting ahead for me, and the rest of mankind?
Fear not tomorrow. God is already there.
He's charting the course you take.
He sees each hidden snare.
He's waiting to guide you through each burden and care.
Fear not tomorrow. God is already there.
Are you troubled o're things to come?
Is your future unsure?
Are you dreading the coming dawn? A long day to endure?
Fear not tomorrow. God is already there.
He's charting the course you take.
He sees each hidden snare.
He's waiting to guide you through each burden and care.
Fear not tomorrow. God is already there."
Songwriter: Carolyn Adkins
No comments:
Post a Comment