I have found that often it’s the things that are most familiar, that are most likely neglected. Humanly speaking we are always interested in the next new thing. Often it is not really new but simply repackaged, redesigned or re-marketed to fit the trend of the next generation. Man’s quest for peace has captured the interest of humanity both young and old since the fall in Genesis 3. Our options are endless in the attempt to cure our anxiety or at best temporarily calm our inner turmoil. From medical, to holistic, to psychology etc, I think it’s safe to say that the pursuit of peace is a global interest of which seems to be eluding the human heart.
I recently came across a devotion written by Elisabeth Elliot. Tucked away in my library I have one of my favorite books from her that I read several years ago, “Keep A Quiet Heart.” As always, the wisdom of this saint proved tried and true as I thumbed through it’s pages. May God grant us a willingness to cease striving and find the pathway to peace in these timely words. Here is what Elisabeth Elliot wrote:
Prayerlessness is one of the many ways by which we can easily forfeit the peace God wants us to have. I’ve been thinking of some other ways. Here’s a sampling:
Resent God’s ways.
Worry as much as possible.
Pray only about things you can’t manage by yourself.
Refuse to accept what God gives.
Look for your peace elsewhere than in Him.
Try to rule your own life.
Doubt God’s word.
Carry all your cares.
If you’d rather not forfeit your peace, here are eight ways to find it (antidotes to the above eight):
“Great peace have they which love your law: and nothing shall offend them” (Psalm 119:165).
“Don’t worry about anything whatever” (Philippians 4:6).
“In everything make your requests known to God in prayer and petition with thanksgiving. Then the peace of God… will guard your hearts” (Philippians 4:6,7).
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me… and you will find rest” (Matthew 11:29).
“Peace is my parting gift to you, my own peace, such as the world cannot give” (John 14:27).
“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15).
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing” (Romans 15:13).
“Cast all your cares upon Him, for you are His charge” (1 Peter 5:7).