The LORD is a liberator. He redeemed us from the need to strive and perform vain works. He suffered ultimate persecution and death to lift our burdens. He invited all who believe to be joined with Him, and receive His peace. Our challenge is receiving it.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are struggling and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew11:28-30 JNT).
RELEVANCE
The LORD’s peace is truly precious. It is found through the grace and gift of the Holy Spirit– the true antidote to fear and anxiety. It may be hard to comprehend, but it is real. It is available to experience. How to find it? Simply, don’t live in worry; but focus your thoughts on what is “true, noble and righteous” communicating with gratefulness to God, and “the peace of God which surpasses understanding” will keep you secure in God’s love (Philippians 4:6-8). In reality, only God can provide real inner healing to enable you to receive His comfort of the Holy Spirit. Such comfort provides real contentment.
Paul learned how to experience contentment in the LORD. He confessed that, “I have learned to be content regardless of circumstances. I know what it is to be in want, and I know what it is to have more than enough — in everything and in every way I have learned the secret of being full and being hungry, of having abundance and being in need. I can do all things through him who gives me power” (Philippians 4:11-12 JNT).
Paul understood “follow-ship.” He, like Old Testament characters, followed after God. In a world that finds it hard to find satisfaction with the simple things of life, contentment in the LORD is to be greatly valued. He knew that the LORD is our source of sufficiency and peace. Through earnest prayer and devotion contentment in the LORD is a reality.
REFLECT AND RELATE
What blockages could be preventing you from experiencing God’s presence and peace?
What encumbrances may be preventing you from experiencing the peace of the LORD?
REFERENCES
Matthew 11:28-30; Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 13:4-6; 2 Corinthians 4:7-18; Acts 2:42-47; Colossians 2:8-10; James 1:3-8