"I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints— but let them not return to folly." Psalm 85:8
God gives peace to His people. It is a promise- and what a wonderful one! Peace is definitely something we all crave. When the telephone won't stop ringing, when the complaints won't stop coming, when the kids won't stop crying, when the stress won't stop building...our soul desperately screams out for PEACE!
Peace, as defined in the Merriam Webster Dictionary, is a state of tranquility or quiet; freedom from oppressive thoughts or emotions. Peace is being free from worry, agitation or turmoil. Peace is being free.
When Jesus Christ sets us free from the law of sin and death, He also sets us free from worry, oppression and turmoil- all the things that counteract peace. We no longer have to walk in the bondage to a state of emotional confusion or anxiety. We know in whom we have believed. We know our future is sealed in Him. Why let the troubles of this life steal away the promise of peace?
I am realizing in this Spirit-Led Life Challenge that, so far, the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit are definitely birthed in the Spirit, but they are also brought about by choice. The choice to submit to the life of the Spirit. The choice to live according to the laws of the Spirit. The choice to say "no" to how our flesh wants to react, and to say "yes" to the Spirit taking control in us. As with love and joy, peace is also a choice.
Yes, outside factors can make it easier or harder to have peace. But that is why the peace that the Spirit gives is so supernatural. When things in our life seem completely out of control, if we are walking in the Spirit, we can still have peace. We can still choose peace. God has given us a promise. A gift. But we must choose to open it up and use it in our lives.
It's funny...I've been given gift cards as gifts before (which I greatly appreciate) but for some reason, I have gift cards in my wallet that I've had for months that I haven't even used. I have even gone in a store with a gift card and walked out without buying anything because I just didn't want to use it yet. How often do we know we have the promise of peace in our back pocket, yet we don't use it? How many times do we choose, instead, to worry and fret over something (which accomplishes absolutely nothing) and "save" our peace for another time? Are we afraid it will run out?
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3
Peace and trust are completely intertwined. If we truly trust God with our life, finances, marriage, children, jobs, health and future, we can live and walk in the Holy Spirit's peace. There is no reason to be anxious when we know WHO is in control!
My friends, I am just as guilty as you to choose worry and stress over peace. But who are we kidding? We can't live victorious, world-changing lives if we are in turmoil! If we want to see the plans God has for us come to pass, we must trust Him and walk in His peace. I believe God will never lead me astray. If you believe that too, then set your guard down today and pull out your peace "gift card". It won't run out. It won't dry up. And that's a promise.
2 comments:
WOW Heather. That's good stuff right there! That really challenged me. I've been so down and I guess you could even say depressed lately with school, work, church, life, college stuff, loosing my granddaddy, and the list goes on but instead of choosing peace I've chosen worry and stress. I'm going to turn it all over to God and pull out my peace gift card and stop worrying or fretting over what I think is huge but in God's eyes it's nothing.
Just as the prophet promised the woman with the jar of oil, it (His love, joy, peace) will never end. I believe there is the "everyday" fruit, but there is a "special" fruit that we can have in those difficult times. I love you gift card analogy. You are amazing!
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