Surrendering to the choice

We all search for it. We try to buy it, slide various substances down our throat to attain it and search for it in others. It can rob us of sleep and lack of it makes us miserable. No matter how we try, it can be so illusive – this thing called peace.

When I look back over my life the most peaceful moments were when I felt loved, listened to and accepted. How about you? In 1John 4:9-10, we see the fruition of God’s love for us: “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” Why? So we would know we are deeply loved by God and surrender to his offer of living in peace.

In Matthew 17:5 God said: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well-pleased. Listen to him!” Jesus pleased the Father by being obedient, loving us, healing our ailments and teaching us how to live our lives so that we too would be pleasing to his Father. He even proved the Father’s love by dying to bring us closer in relationship with him. Now, that is love and why we must listen!

So, what should we be listening to in scripture? How about this one: “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:4-7).”

If we really embraced this love, should we be anxious for anything? Nope! Trusting God, giving him our cares and anxious thoughts (with thanksgiving) are the only ways to find peace in this world of turmoil.

When my husband died I was anxious beyond telling – my sleep patterns destroyed by worry. It wasn’t until a few months ago that I made an important connection to trust God with my sleepless nights. Every time I awoke in the middle of the night and was worried, I’d say with great conviction: “The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want (Ps 23).” Or if consumed with tension I’d say the sinner’s prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.”

I can honestly say a normal sleep pattern has been restored and I feel much more peaceful and relaxed. I am convinced that to get an upper hand on anxiety we must be cognizant of God’s love for us in every anxious minute of every stress-filled day, and take a stand to trust him because faith matters and through it we will find peace.

Do what God said and listen to Jesus. Here’s what he has to say to you today: “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 (John 14:27).”