Then God reassured me I don't have to live this way. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life..." He says in Matthew 6:25(NIV). God promises many wonderful gifts. He promises us salvation, eternal life, joy, fulfillment and even peace. The thing about God is that we can trust everything He tells us. So, it's true: I don't have to worry, I can experience joy, I can be content and I can find peace.
So why don't I feel this peace?
The key of course lies in the definition. When God promises us peace, He doesn't mean a sixties movement. He doesn't mean that everyone should agree with everyone about everything. Neither does He mean we should stand back and watch our sister or brother fall because we would rather avoid confrontation or awkward situations. Jesus reassured his disciples in John 14:27 (NIV) - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." It's a peace not of this world, but a peace of the inner spirit that can only come from God and has nothing to do with our worldly situations.
To receive joy, contentment and peace there is only one condition: we must accept these promised gifts by responding to God. It's much like getting a voucher for a free gift in the mail. All we have to do is go to the store to pick it up. Sounds simple enough. But the problem is 90% of those vouchers are never redeemed. It might be because it's inconvenient, we're too busy, we forget about the voucher or time runs out. Likewise, we must redeem God's promises. God's gift of peace is ours for the taking if we turn to God and claim this free gift.
I need to remind myself that there's no need to be a stress bunny or a worry wart. Paul said it best in his letter to the Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV): "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
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This piece was published in the November issue of Sancitfied Together Online. You can find it here.
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18 comments:
Oh what a meaningful post today. I have to really work on this one, for I tend to be a worry wart at times too. I get busy and forget to trust the Almight One and turn things over to Him for safekeeping. He is sooooo good!
Many times receiving God's
promised peace is easier said
than done. When we are able
to take that peace and abide
in it we can see everything
in a different light.
Yes I too am a stress bunny and worry wart I give things over and then take them back. I related to much you said in your first paragraph - Why I wonder cant we just leave it all in god's hands. We can only keep praying to be able to do so. God Bless - Nita
Fortunately, we don't have to go to a store to redeem God's love or salvation. All we need is to call on Him and claim it.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author
Lynda,
This post hit home for me, as I'm sure it did with most women.
Thank you for sharing it on the ST Publication! You have blessed us with your voice and wisdom!
blessings to ya,
alisa
That is so comforting! It is interesting comparison and it's so true about the free coupons and how most of us doesn't use it. Just like God's blessing, its there and it's up for us to claim it.
Though I am sorry that anyone else has to suffer from anxiety, I am RELIEVED to know that I'm not alone!! I am a "worry bunny!!!" (A worry wart/stress bunny blend - not a pretty picture!)
But you are so right - there is something about God's peace that is different. I am asking that God will increase my faith, that I will have the strength to trust Him more - and thereby, experience more of His peace.
GOD BLESS!
Wow this was perfect for my very anxiety-producing morning. Taking deep breaths now ;--)
Beautiful post and always a welcome nudge to give my worries over to God and trust His way with me in this world.
I've just realised that there are several of my followers who I haven't yet met or haven't visited for such a long time that I thought I'd stop by to say hello and thank you for following.
Hi Lynda,
Very interesting and informative and inspiring post.
It is true as human beings we worry about so many things whether they are imagined or real,whether important or unimportant.Worry causes anxiety and affects our health.
What ever is to happen will happen and everything is in the hands of God.He knows what is good for us. At times we may feel let down but this is the way God tests our faith,our trust,our confidence in HIM. JOB in the BIBLE was put to severe tests and yet he remained steadfast in his faith and trust in GOD.He said God gave me and God took it away.He refused to blame God although his friends were taunting and tempting him to do so.Finally God restored everything back to him manifold.
There was a time when I was also worried over many trivial things and most of them never happened.Even when I was in trouble I always found a way to over come it.So what is the point of worrying except to increase our blood pressure and become short tempered and spoil our relationship with others.
Best wishes Lynda,
Joseph
This worry post does hit home with me and others, I would guess. Great post, will try to remember it
kim
Thank you Lyn for sharing this. Blessings.
Very timely post and very REAL, also...this wart needed such a reminder....
It's so easy to worry when we get the focus off of God and put it on ourselves. But we have to learn that He is our strength and the source of our contentment. Thanks for a great post! And I will try not to worry about the rest of my week ;)
I need to be careful too or worry and fear can make me crazy. When I run in the woods...in His creation...that's where I always hear...Trust me...No worries...Thanks Lynda for this reminder.
Thanks for the great reminder! I love the "stress bunny" description and accompanying ears. Very funny. I think I can get easily stressed too. I really have to learn this thing of "giving everything over to the Lord"--it's a process!
yes i do..He knows everything and everything. nice blog. To God be the glory,
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