I have been wrestling with a couple of issues recently.
Now, in the grand scheme of things, the issues are probably not that big, but they have been enough to unsettle me. When I get unsettled, I struggle to sleep. I play out in my mind the conversations I am going to have, what they will say and how I will respond and what they will say and so on and so on.
In John’s gospel, Jesus says;
“Do not let your hearts be troubled…..” (John 14 vs. 1)
IF ONLY!!!!! I am one of life’s natural worriers!!! IF ONLY my heart didn’t get troubled
“My peace I give to you” (John 14 vs. 27)
So where is it then? I need to sleep and I cannot because I AM NOT AT PEACE!!!!
Then, it hit me this morning. I sat down for some time with God and my Bible and read these words;
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3 vs. 15)
What often happens, in my thinking at least, is peace becomes equated with the “everything is lovely” feeling. To be honest, I never find it, because it is impossible (this side of glory). This kind of peace relies upon all of the external factors getting themselves in line; People co-operating and doing what I want, to make peace. Peace, of this kind, relies upon “all the ducks being in a line” when and where I want. That’s why it’s impossible – I was never qualified for herding cats!!! (sorry about the mixed animal metaphors, I had more important things on my mind!)
But, here is what I reflected on, there is one person I do have a say in as to how they respond in a situation – me!
Let the peace of Christ rule in MY heart
Sometimes I have to have the courage to place into Gods hands my concerns and worries, acknowledging that I cannot control them, or make them better by myself. I ask God to help me respond as Jesus would, and I allow Him to guide me. It’s when I hand myself over to God, it’s then I find peace.
Will the conversations happen?
What will they say if……?
I don’t know, and that’s okay. So long as I keep my heart centered in God, and allow no anger, bitterness or resentment to control me I will have peace whatever may happen
Here is the prayer I wrote, maybe it’s something you need to pray today…
Lord, today let your peace rule in my heart.
Today, may I center myself upon you
Today, whatever the world, the flesh and the devil may throw at me may I look to Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith.
May I rest in His arms and find the peace that passes all understanding
AMEN
