It is interesting how the older we get the more we realize that what we want most is peace. I know I have written about this before, but today I would like to discuss what robs us of our peace.
I am not so foolish to say that this brief post is an exhaustive writing on the subject, but simply what I have experienced in my life – both before God saved me and after.
The intention of this post is for us to recognize things in our life, even in our past that rob peace, in an effort to fight them off in the future. In all life’s arenas, whether business, sports, relationships, or otherwise; it is always wise to work through what I call an “After Action Report”. For example, after an interview, we might consider what questions were asked, what I would say differently, what was good, etc. After an argument with a spouse we would be wise to consider what the tipping point was, what part you played, and what you would do differently to prevent it.
We may not physically sit down and put pen to paper on an “After Action Report”, but we are wise to at the very least, work through them in our mind. Therefore, if it is wise in all areas of our life, why aren’t we doing it the area of peace and the things that rob us of peace?
As I was thinking this through this morning there were 3 major items that I can point to:
- Lack of contentment
When you boil it down, lack of contentment is really just greed. We want more money, we want more time off, we want a bigger house, we want more stuff, we want (fill in the blank).
Before we continue, let’s be clear, we must not confuse contentment with laziness. We are called to be content, but we are also called to not be lazy.
With that said, assuming you are working hard, making the best use of your time, how would your life change if you determined at this moment that what you have is enough? My living condition is enough, my car is enough, etc.
That’s not to say that you won’t have a nicer car or house someday, but at this moment you are content with what you have – would that improve your level of inner calm, your peace?
Challenge: If you are wrestling with lack of contentment, I would like to challenge you to give more this week. If you are not content with your finances, give half the money in your wallet to someone that needs it more. If you are not content with your “stuff”, give some of your stuff away to someone that might appreciate it more.
It is in giving that we cultivate a heart of generosity and contentment.
Acts 20:35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
- Worry
Before we tackle what worry really is, let’s make a list of the things many of us worry about:
Health, finances, children’s safety and happiness, jobs, the future, the past, etc.
As Christians, we are called to not worry about anything – why do you think that is?
Worry shows a lack of trust in God. It forces us to really consider if we trust in His promises, do we trust in His Sovereignty?
We must ask the question, is my King Good, or bad? Is He all powerful, or is He limited in what He can do?
Consider our parenting. If our child, at 13 years old wanted a car, would we give it to them? Of course not, there is no reason for a 13-year-old to have a car. They aren’t mature enough to handle the responsibility of driving a car, and it is illegal for them to do so. This may seem obvious to us, but maybe not to the 13-year-old.
In the same way, we must trust that God has a better perspective of things than we do. If we trust His perspective, His goodness, and His Sovereignty; it makes it much easier to keep from worry.
In addition, if we don’t lose sight of the fact that our purpose in all life is to glorify God then we can trust that our afflictions may be ordained to bring God the most glory. The world seeing the peace we have in trials as we trust in Him might be what God uses to bring a loved one to saving faith, thus being most glorified in our trials.
Challenge: As you begin to worry about anything this week, big or small, lift up a prayer to God, “Lord, forgive me for worrying about ___________ , help me to trust completely in You for my good and Your glory.”
- Sin
The reality is the first 2 items on our list today are sin. We are called to be content, we are called not to worry, therefore, to allow either of these to be a practicing theme in our life is sin. However, ALL sin robs the Christian of peace!
In looking back on my Christian-walk, I remember (sadly) many times where I was “running well” and then WHAM! I do something I shouldn’t have, I say something I shouldn’t have, I think something I shouldn’t have and all the peace I had been enjoying is robbed of me.
I am thankful, by God’s Grace, that the Holy Spirit whispers this one question in my mind when temptations emerge, “do you remember the shame you felt the last time you fell?”
Having that peace withdrawn, coupled with the shame that comes with it is actually a blessing from God; this is our Heavenly Father treating us as a beloved child that needs discipline. If we can go on sinning without these things happening, we should be concerned.
The solution is always Christ! Trusting in Christ, abiding in Christ.
If I am being totally transparent, there was a time in my life where I heard that Jesus is the “Prince of Peace”, and I annoyingly thought, “what does that even mean!” (forgive me Lord)
By God’s Grace I now know. Jesus truly is the Prince of Peace. Not only does trusting in His finished work on the Cross bring peace between us and God; but His work in and through us by the Spirit of God brings us peace in the here and now. Contentment is had, worry melts away, and the ability to war against sin is given.
