Stress Free Living
1/18/2018

 
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you". (Isaiah 26:3)

 

According to a poll, people stated that what they wanted most out of life are things like good health; financial prosperity; positive relationships; and rewarding work. Surely these are things that anyone would desire.  However, there is a greater need and that is for personal peace.  Many people are burdened with stress, worry, and anxiety. Our world is in utter chaos.

 

In spite of all our efforts to provide a stress free life through the things just mentioned we still live in a dangerous and unpredictable world in which we are constantly at risk from things like a deteriorating marriage, financial losses, a chronic medical condition, natural disasters, war and even terrorist attacks.  We see Job expressing these same feelings. Job was a great man -- prosperous, respected, good health, lots of children. And then one day, it all fell apart. His livestock, which were the source of his wealth, were stolen. His sons and daughters -- all of them -- were killed in a freak accident. He developed a painful illness. And his wife and friends, instead of supporting him, viciously attacked him. In response, Job lamented that, "What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil" (Job 3:25-26).

 

Have you ever felt this way? "I have no rest, but only turmoil?" Do you know how many times "fear not" occurs in the Bible?  Sixty-two times! Fear is not what God desires for his people! The Bible states clearly that God's will for us is not emotional turmoil, or fear and anxiety, or even "quiet desperation". God's will for his people is peace. "The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace" (Psalm 29:11).  "I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints .... " (Psalm 85:8).

 

Often we experience worry and anxiety because we've placed our confidence in things we know   can fail us, things which we know are not completely reliable, and things which have failed us in the past and may fail us again.  Our ultimate reliance has to be in God and not men. Our attitude must be that even if everyone and everything else fails us, God will not fail us (Hebrews 13:5). He is in control; He is the One we are trusting with our safety and well-being. Our confidence in any person or any human institution should be limited and qualified; it's our trust in God that should be unlimited and unqualified.  The Psalmist said, "It is better to take refuge in Jehovah than to put confidence in man.  It is better to take refuge in Jehovah than to put confidence in princes" (Psalm 118:8-9).

 

Learn to treasure the right things, the things that cannot fail us.  Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21). 

 

If you are devoting your life to the things God values, the things which have eternal worth, then you won't have to worry about suffering loss.  If the frantic pace of modern life is robbing you of your peace, then slow down and focus on the Lord.  Realize that He's with you, and He is in control regardless of what comes your way.

 

PEACE, PERFECT PEACE

 

Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?

The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.

 

Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?

To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.

 

Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?

On Jesus' bosom naught but calm is found.

 

Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?

In Jesus' keeping we are safe, and they.

 

Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?

Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.

 

Peace, perfect peace, death shadowing us and ours?

Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers.

 

It is enough: earth's struggles soon shall cease,

And Jesus call us to Heaven's perfect peace.

 

Peace, perfect peace, 'mid suffering's sharpest throes?

The sympathy of Jesus breathes repose.

 

 

 

Words: Edward H. Bickersteth, Jr., 1875

Music: George T. Calbeck & Charles J. Vincent, 1876

 

"Daily Devotions by Guy Roberson"

Walnut Street Church of Christ






Direct Page Link
Powered By
TheLordsWay.com
Click here to host your
own church web site today!