Greetings to you…followers of the Good Shepherd…in the name that is above all names, Jesus Christ – THE Risen Savior! What a beautiful autumn morning in the kingdom and I am sure-that this is the day that the Lord has made for us, a day to rejoice and be glad in the reality of God’s presence. I trust that all is well in your world and that you are adjusting to the change of seasons…you know, of course, that yesterday marked the “three months to Christmas” alert and that Thanksgiving is two weeks away! Okay, that is enough “good news” for today. This morning I will be praying for you, asking Father to keep his eye on you and to guide your steps and the release healing to you and to sprinkle mercy and grace over you and to be the “lifter of your head!”
There seems to be a good measure of anxiety and restlessness and discouragement in our world…and it seems to be capturing the hearts and minds of God’s people. There is, I believe, a “peace crisis” taking place…as the words of the song say – “peace of mind is hard to find, lots of worries in this heart of mine.” If you scroll through Facebook you will find many expressions of what to do, where to go, and how to access peace…but the problem persists.
However, for a believer there is a simple, powerful word of advice…“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you” Isaiah 26:3. Yes, I know that seems too simple and you already know and you have a few favorite verses that you could quote. However, there is a huge difference between knowing a truth or a principle or a wise word…or a Bible verse – and living it out. How many of us know what someone presents to us…and our initial response is – “I know, I know”, but —?
I am reminded of a simple chorus that I learned as a young Christian and I have to keep reminding myself of the truth:
Let the Lord have His way
In your life every day,
There’s no rest, there’s no peace
Until the Lord has His way.
Place your life in His hands,
Rest secure in His plan;
Let the Lord, let the Lord
Have His way.
I think I heard someone whisper – “I know, I know” ! The reality is that we know so much about dealing with and handling life and how to respond to the anxiety and stress and worry…if only we would put it into practice. Yesterday, in one of my devotions I was reminded that – “true faith lives on the basis of two unshakable realities–that God really does exist and that he always rewards those who seek Him” – Paul David Tripp.
Next time you find yourself responding to a word of advice or counsel or suggestion with the words – “I know, I know”…pause for a moment or two and ask yourself…”what am I doing with what I know?” By the way – God, who sent us the ‘Prince of Peace’ really, really loves you!”
Have a great day…be blessed!