I am working through the Breaking Free study by Beth Moore. Today, the lesson started with a discussion on peace. We took a look at Philippians 4:6-7 which reads...
Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.
Perhaps you have read those verses a hundred times, maybe even memorized them. Well, I wasn't prepared for the exercise that followed. Try rewriting or paraphrasing these words BUT ONLY IN THE NEGATIVE! Why don't you give it a try before you read any further...
Do not be calm about anything, but in everything keep grumbling! Whatever you do, don't pray! Don't ask the Lord for His help in anything! And anxiety galore - fit for every circumstance - will ensure that your heart and your mind are unprotected and exposed - apart from Christ Jesus...
Now, I'm not suggesting anyone follow that prescription! What a prescription for disaster! When you see it put into words and in black and white doesn't it just reveal the lunacy of our actions on so many occasions? Why do we do that? We DO do that! Isn't it true that the times when our insides are tied in knots the most are when we can't quit grumbling and complaining - playing out all of the "what if's" long enough to even see straight to pray, let alone do so with thanksgiving. I'm convinced that we often even mistake our complaining tongue and wagging finger for prayer because we're telling it to the Lord.
The way to peace is through a life marked by knee prints! Ones of bended knee to Christ's Authority and time spent often waiting with Him in prayer. I recently read a quote on another blog (http://www.beckyturner.com/) that asks the question how can we appeal to Christ's Authority when we don't submit to His Authority. The prophet Isaiah foretold of Christ coming as the "Prince of Peace" and that the government would be upon His shoulders. Let me ask you this morning, how's your peace? Where's the government of your life today? Is it resting on your shoulders or His?
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