THIS IS TABLE ROCK FELLOWSHIP – PASTOR RYAN LADEN (DEVOTIONALS)
Open His Gift
Can you say your heart is at peace? If you’re like me, your answer is, “sometimes.” The reality is, our peacefulness is interrupted by worry, anxiety and all kinds of care. That should not surprise us, since Jesus promised this would be the case. He knew the struggles of this life. And He specifically addressed what our attitude, as His followers, should be about cares. Imagine yourself being one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. Imagine walking and talking and living with Him for three years, listening to His amazing teachings, and partaking in His incredible miracles. Then one day He says that He is leaving you, and you cannot follow. Now listen to His departing words to you:
“I am leaving you with a gift –
peace of mind and heart.”
Peace. Jesus looks at you and promises a gift of peace. What is peace? It’s completeness, security, contentment. It’s an internal thing. It’s God’s promise to you on your inside, regardless of what’s happening on the outside. But that begs the question:
If God promises me peace,
why do I experience so much worry and anxiety?
Perhaps it’s because you are still learning to open the gift, the gift of peace, given to you by God. Let’s look at how God has intended for us to live in regard to this matter of peace.
First of all, we must understand God has not promised to make us immune from problems or strife, or to make our troubles just go away. On the contrary, listen to what He promised:
“Here on earth you will have many
trials and sorrows.”
Troubles are inevitable; problems are part of life; change is inescapable. We know this intellectually, yet we are still surprised when our circumstances knock us off our feet. Life may get you to a place where you say, “I didn’t see that coming,” or, “I never thought I’d be here!” And that’s understandable; after all, God’s word tells us:
“… do not be surprised at the fiery trial
when it comes upon you to test you …”
Hmm… Do not be surprised?! Funny, that’s just what I am when a big change happens: surprised! Yet God doesn’t want us to count on the absence of surprises to create a sense of wellbeing in our souls. Instead, we do well to expect the unexpected. But, in order to do this, we must have peace already established in the center of our souls. If that is the case, the winds of change can blow against your ship all they want, but you – the real you – is anchored in peace. Let’s look at how God’s Word says this is possible:
1. Cooperate with God’s Peace
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” (Col 3:15, emphasis mine)
Let God’s peace in! Ask God to show you if you are holding onto feelings of anxiety or thoughts of worry. Confess to Him anything in you that is contrary (disobedient) to God’s Spirit (which will make you unpeaceful), as well as holding onto any past hurts, or your tendency to control or to hold others hostage to your feelings of uneasiness. Let go. Let God’s peace inside!
2. Pray about it, and be Thankful
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done.” (Phil 4:6)
Is there strife in your life? Are you fearful or worried? Are you confused or stuck? Pray! Talk to God. He already knows about it. He has the answer. So why don’t you get it from Him? What you need is His perspective on it. Further, remember, prayer is a two-way street. So, converse with God. Ask, and listen.
3. Give your Cares to God
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” (1 Pe 5:7)
Heave all your anxiety on Him. Specifically ask God to take it. Perhaps it’s helpful to pretend enclosing it in your fist(s) and then throwing it up to God, but let it go. Cast it to God, big or small. Because, “He cares for you.” If it’s a concern to you, it’s a concern to Him.
4. Think Rightly
“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Phil 4:8)
In order to trade your anxiety for God’s peace you need to think on correct things. Wrong thinking brings about wrong feelings. Correct thinking brings about peace.
5. Trust
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Is 26:3)
God is ever increasing our faith and our trust in Him. He uses circumstances to do that. Stand firm on God’s promises, and on His ever-solid, never-changing character, and you will experience His peace.
Shalom!
– Paul Wesner, Elder
OUR MISSION AS A CHURCH
“TO ENCOURAGE AND EQUIP EACH OTHER IN LOVE TO KNOW JESUS AND MAKE HIM KNOWN”
CONTACT INFO
- (541) 245-2612
- Answers@TableRockFellowship.com
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Medford Oregon 97501
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