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In Part I of this series we concluded that doubt in God is one
of the key (and probably most frequent) reasons peace departs from
our mind. Because of our doubt in God, our faith is weak and fear
is strong; therefore, we are anxious, nervous, and filled with turmoil.
Peace is defined as tranquility and well-being - not that everything
is perfect but that we are not overcome with fear. And even in times
when fear is present in our minds, we adequately deal with the circumstances
to overcome anxiety and turmoil. Peace is a "state" not
a "place."
Whereupon peace departs, how do we recapture the peace of God that
surpasses understanding? We follow the Apostles' example - we go
to the Lord. Remember that the Apostles went to Jesus and woke Him
up when their boat began filling with water. And remember, as Peter
began to sink, He called out to Jesus saying: "Lord save me!"
The Apostles should not have been afraid and weak in faith, but
they were afraid. So they went to the Lord. Likewise, we have no
reason to fear unless we doubt the Lord. But upon those occasions
when we are overcome with doubt and fear, we too should go to the
Lord.
How do we go to the Lord for peace?
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First we go to the Lord through His word. Without going to
the word of God we do not know what to believe, we do not know
the will of the Lord, we do not know how to pray, nor do we
know the sure promises of the Lord. Paul says: "So then
faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God"
(Rom. 10:17).
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Secondly we go to the Lord in prayer. Paul says: "Be anxious
for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with
thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the
peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard
your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6-7).
As God's children we know that He hears our prayers (1 Jn. 5:14-15).
And since we are heard by God, we know that He will answer our
prayers so that we are blessed according to His will.
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Thirdly we must learn to be content. Paul says: ". . .
I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know
how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in
all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry,
both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:11-13). Paul had to
learn to live contently; and we must also learn contentment.
To say that we must learn to be content is easier said than done.
In Part III of this series, we will investigate "how"
we can learn to be content in this fleshly tent. In the mean time
let your motto be: "I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13). The question is: How does Christ
strengthen me?
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