How To Experience Peace A Spiritual Walk Through

How To Experience Peace A Spiritual Walk Through

Where can we find peace?

Peace is a wonderful word. It is a state of mind that can mean tranquility or quiet, free from conflict, no war or having security. The Hebrew word for peace shalom is defined as completeness, success, fulfillment, wholeness, harmony, security and well being. If we have to go about finding peace we are probably searching for things that may bring about a temporary peaceful experience. The reality is we do not live in a peaceful world. Unrest, fear and conflict penetrate our everyday life experiences. 

Here are some things we need to look at when it comes to peace. Our present circumstances may change for the better or they may take a turn for the worse. Our bodies can experience pain and sickness regardless of how careful we try to live. We can’t ultimately control other people’s behavior or despicable acts. We sometimes look to the future with uncertainty and fear and restlessly wonder what’s going happen next. We can have faith in God. We can also have faith in ourselves and others.  Yet sometimes we lose faith because of what has happened to us and to others that reflect our idea of injustice and evil. Sometimes what we believe to be true does not measure up to our own expectations. Sometimes fear and doubt rule the moment and peace seems so unlikely and unattainable.

From my own experience I seem to be most concerned with logistics, stability and comfort. Yet I struggle with the idea that life should always be fun, free from conflict and comfortable. I realize lessons need to be learned. Growing spiritually and learning about faith takes stepping out of ones comfort zone. But seeking as I have in the past for the perfect peaceful scenario, I have concluded the only way to achieve a state of peace is to stay at home, watch a movie while laying back in a recliner with plenty of snacks with no interruptions from other people or pets. Or laying on the beach with a clear ocean on a perfect day where the only thing I can hear are the waves crashing against the shore. The reality is I must walk outside of my own private little Idaho. I realize that life was meant to be lived differently. There is going to be tension, hardship and difficulty so I can only hide out from real life for so long. I have to go outside my castle walls and courageously meet all those things affected by a sinful broken world. In fact, we are all affected by a world gone mad in some way shape or form. Yet, we can impact the world around us in a positive way if we have the right perspective and purpose to breathe life into it instead of sucking the life out of it.

Just ask anyone who has had to drive in rush hour traffic if they live in a world gone mad. They will reveal to you the true enemies of all mankind. They exist in moving metal fortresses, driving crazy like they are gearing up for battle. But the true enemies of mankind are sin, pride and hopelessness that have developed from a defiant humanity who have rejected God and embraced His enemies. God’s enemies are also those who have fallen away from His kingdom to create their own. God’s enemies want us to doubt His existence, and want us to put our faith in what they have to offer.  They do not offer peace like God does. They offer material discontent and self-serving motivations that separate us from God. They tell us we can create our way to being happy and satisfied. They tell us we are better off without God and His rules. Even the good they do becomes a smokescreen for them to build up their own name, status and pride. The enemy wants to kill our souls by feeding our egos. The enemy wants to distract us from God’s peace so we search elsewhere.  The ultimate battle for peace really comes down to self-centeredness vs God-centeredness. The truth is the world does not offer everlasting peace so we have to look to God for the answers.

So let’s see what God offers and let’s consider receiving His peace.

We must understand that in order to have peace with God we must first have to believe that He sent His sent Jesus to save us from our sins. Faith in Jesus is the requirement for everlasting peace with God.

John 3:16 New Living Translation (NLT)

 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

This act of Jesus that paid for ones sins makes a powerful statement about God’s love and reshapes ones perspective to see that death is physical and spiritual in nature. The implications of Jesus’ work on the Cross is that those who become true followers of Jesus can have peace during their lifetime knowing God has secured their eternity with the price Jesus paid.  With the right perspective a person can have a great sense of peace knowing no matter how hard they try, they can’t earn their salvation.  They understand that God has set that bar so high that no sinful human being can attain it on their own. Although many still try to earn God's favor and salvation with their works, God has made it clear that it is with Jesus’ work alone that will save us for all eternity.  Those who choose not to be rescued will get what they desire which is spiritual death and separation from God.

Ephesians 4:17-18 Living Bible (TLB)

Let me say this, then, speaking for the Lord: Live no longer as the unsaved do, for they are blinded and confused. Their closed hearts are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds against him, and they cannot understand his ways.

Ephesians 2:1-2 Living Bible (TLB)

Once you were under God’s curse, doomed forever for your sins. You went along with the crowd and were just like all the others, full of sin, obeying Satan, the mighty prince of the power of the air, who is at work right now in the hearts of those who are against the Lord.

And the good news:

Colossians 2:13-14 New Living Translation (NLT)

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.

Jesus confirms that He was the one chosen by God to save us:

John 14:6 NIV
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 10:9 NIV
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.

Jesus is the only way to salvation and He was born to be our Savior, our Prince of Peace. His work has reconciled us back to God and brings us peace:

Acts 4:12 NIV
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Isaiah 9:6 TNIV
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Ephesians 2:13-17 NIV

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.

Mark 16:16 NIV
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Acts 2:21 NIV
And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Romans 10:9 NIV
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:10 NIV
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

God Himself gives us life, comfort, peace, joy and rest:

John 8:12 NIV

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

2 Corinthians 1:3 TNIV
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

Romans 15:13 TNIV
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 1:6 TNIV
You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 11:28-30 TNIV

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for 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."

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

John 14:27 NIV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Romans 5:1 NIV

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God

So peace with God comes through a relationship with Jesus who paid the price for sin through His life and blood He shed on the cross. One must receive this work of Jesus in order to be reconciled back to God. When a person becomes a friend of God, their spiritual condition changes from death to life, from separated to connected and ultimately from perishable to imperishable. A believer is adopted into God's family which means citizenship in heaven for all eternity.  Believers have also been given the Holy Spirit who becomes their Guide and Teacher and source of wisdom reminding them of everything Jesus has said. With Jesus’ words of hope and His work on the cross comes a sense of peace to those who have become His disciples. They know their salvation is secure!

John 14:26 TNIV
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

John 14:1-4 TNIV

 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.  My Father's house has plenty of room; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."

Galatians 5:22 NIV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Ephesians 1:13 NIV
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

Warning: Unconfessed sin builds a wall between humanity and God.

Isaiah 59:1-2 NIV

Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.

But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.

Proverbs 28:13 NIV

He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

John 8:34 NIV

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.

Matthew 6:24 NIV

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

When we do confess our sin the dynamic in our relationship with God changes because we are now open to the Holy Spirit who has the power to direct us back on the path to living a life pleasing to God. Confession and repentance lead to peace with God.

1 John 1:9 NIV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV 

 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Psalm 32:1-5 NIV 

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. 

Followers of Jesus can experience a peace that transcends all understanding even during the most difficult of times. They have the Holy Spirit who indwells in them so they never have to face difficult circumstances alone. I can personally testify that since becoming a follower of Jesus I never feel alone anymore. I also feel at peace even when I am struggling with the circumstances of living life alongside a sinful and broken world. 

During my days of living a Godless self-centered life I used to feel empty and uneasy within myself in and amongst any of my circumstances. For many years daily life was a struggle and very unsettling to me. I resorted to substitute avenues of comfort to get me through each day. As a devoted follower of Jesus I now know that that I am loved by God and have the wisdom, direction and discernment I need to navigate through the pitfalls that living in this fallen world can bring about. With the knowledge and relationship I have with the Holy Spirit working in my life, peace is at hand and I am able to get back on the right path to living this life for God and for the sake of His kingdom.

My favorite Bible verse is from proverbs and sets the stage for living in peace and being at peace with God:

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight.  

Jesus also reminded His disciples about His peace and victory over sin and death which we can also take to heart as well:

John 16:31-33 Living Bible (TLB)

 “Do you finally believe this?” Jesus asked.  “But the time is coming—in fact, it is here—when you will be scattered, each one returning to his own home, leaving me alone. Yet I will not be alone, for the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world.”

What a great reminder of God’s awesome promises!

So in this very busy fast pace world take the time to look up in the night sky and remember how big God really is. His peace will soothe the soul, calm the spirit. His peace will give us the rest and strength we need to live for Him and His purpose. 

God's purpose is to rescue the restless and lost from a turbulent unsettling world tainted by the whims of a fallen humanity. God's purpose is to give real peace to those who will admit they need to be saved. 

So trust in the one who can be trusted and peace will be your everlasting reward. God's love will always be at the center of His peace just like Jesus' love was at the center of His willing sacrifice to save us. 

Just Sayin………………..Dave     

Who Controls Your Life?

Who Controls Your Life?

Proverbs 16:9 (New International Version 1984)

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Do you believe in the Sovereignty of God? Does God have control over your circumstances?

The Bible teaches us that God is sovereign which means that God possesses and exercises supreme authority and control over all His creation. My understanding is that God will carry out His plans and alter any circumstance to fit His desires, regardless of what I think should happen, or to the extent I think He can make it happen.  

There are certain scenarios I think about everyday where I believe only God has the power to intervene and effectively intercede in the circumstances I and or others are facing. A follower of Jesus will trust that God has a plan and a purpose for everything that takes place in their lives, and that just at the right time, He will change circumstances in order to fit that plan. This means God can take any situation that we can say we have no control over and miraculously direct it to fulfill His purpose. That is what I call living in awareness of the expectation of God. The good news for God's people is that living life is always on the edge of great expectation on what God will do. 

Followers of Jesus sometimes ask these kind of questions: 

If God has this incredible authority and power, why does He sometimes wait to use it? 

Why can’t God change my circumstances when I think I need Him to? 

Can I, as His follower of Jesus, be faithfully patient with God and trust Him while I wait for Him to intervene or direct my circumstances and actions?

The Bible encourages us be patient with God:

Psalm 27:14 New Living Translation

Wait patiently for the Lord.  Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

The Bible encourages us be patient during times of distress and suffering:

Romans 12:12  

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Patience is a virtue of a follower of Jesus:

Colossians 3:12 New International Version (NIV)

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

We have to understand that God is actually being patient with all of us, especially when it comes to fulfilling His plan of Salvation:

2 Peter 3:9 New International Version (NIV)

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Let’s understand this - God works according to His plan and timing. Here is a verse from Ephesians that supports the idea that God is sovereign.

Ephesians 1:11 (New Living Translation)

Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

What we can see throughout the Bible, along with the events that take place in our own lives, is that God chooses when and how He will fulfill His plan. 

I can be a witness to the fact that God has perfect timing based on the events and circumstances in my own life.

However, there are times I am perplexed by God’s actions and decisions to allow things to happen where I find myself not being able to understand His will in a particular circumstance. Yet, I have come to accept, with help from His own Word, the Bible, that I will never in this life fully understand the mind of God. God Himself explains this truth:

Isaiah 55:8-9 (New International Version 1984)

 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Based on my own circumstances, I know I can trust and invest in the promises of God. You see if God is sovereign, and He says He has a good plan for my life, then I can rejoice in His ultimate power to fulfill those promises because whatever happens is ultimately for my own good.

Romans 8:28 (New International Version 1984)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Application:

If God has an awesome plan for our lives, then why not surrender our will for His better purpose? Followers of Jesus can know this: 

God will do a good work in us. 
God will do a good work through us. 
God will fulfill in us His good purpose.

Check out these verses below:

Philippians 1:6 (New International Version 1984)

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Philippians 2:13 New International Version

for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose

The Bible is clear, God has awesome plans for His people.

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version 1984)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

John 3:16 (New International Version 1984)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

What about gratitude toward God and His good purpose? 

Take time each day to thank God for the plans He has for you.  
Rejoice in His sovereignty. 
Trust in God's plan for your life.

My favorite Bible verse when it comes to trusting in God’s sovereign plan:

Proverbs 3:5-6 New International Version

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 

Remember and trust in this: 

If God directs it, it will happen!

If you believe God has the power to create the vast universe, you can trust He has the power to direct the circumstances within it.

Just Sayin………………..Dave      

Coping with Suffering and Brokenness in a Fallen World Part 2

Coping with Suffering and Brokenness in a Fallen World Part 2


So can we cope with suffering and brokenness?

It is through faith in God’s promises and the teaching of His Word that 
we can have the confidence that God is in control and that in Him we 
can discover His good and perfect plan for the future. It is with the 
Holy Spirit that we can be transformed and know the steps to take 
in order to live a life set apart to God. The Holy Spirit provides us 
with the strength, guidance and discernment that we need to live an 
abundant life. We also discover that God has promised the best is 
yet to come and that Jesus provides the peace we need even when circumstances weigh heavily on our spirit.

I love that Jesus gives us hope and tells us the truth about life:

John 16:33 (New International Version 1984)

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this 
world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

So even when our broken state rocks our world, we can be at peace 
because God is greater and more powerful than all our problems 
combined. Jesus has made it possible for us to be intimately connected 
to God through the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit fills us, we experience 
life and see the world with fresh attitude and perspective.

Romans 12:2  New International Version (NIV)

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the 

renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what 

God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Remember this:

The Holy Spirit provides the strength we need to get back on our 
feet; actually to get back on our knees. At this point when we lay 
low, show our reverence to God, and ask Him to revive our spirit, 
He moves in a powerful way to restore us back to Himself and to 
give us the strength and courage we need to deal with life.

Jesus said this:

Matthew 5:3 (The Message)

"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you 
there is more of God and his rule. 

So we can cope with life in a fallen world by living a life set apart 
to God, a Spirit filled life. 

When we live surrendered and dedicated to God’s will, we will be transformed.

When we are transformed we can have the proper perspective on suffering and brokenness. 

God helps us in this transformation process through the power of 
His Spirit who changes our hearts and minds:

Romans 12:2 (New Living Translation)  (Another helpful interpretation)

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform 
you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn 
to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

 Romans 15:13 (New International Version)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so 
that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

God has a good purpose even when there is suffering and 
brokenness. The good news is that He is always ready to comfort 
us and minister to our hearts and minds when our perspective is 
limited and our eyes cannot see the light through the darkness. 
God is always working for the cause of His good purpose.

Romans 8:28 (New International Version 1984)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love 
him, who have been called according to his purpose

The problem is this: we don’t always reach out to God when we 
are struggling with our deepest and darkest pain. Even though we 
have a Comforter, the Holy Spirit, we choose to prescribe our own 
medication to make the pain go away. And when the pain doesn’t 
go away, there is a tendency to medicate ourselves even to the point 
of self-destruction, believing the only way to remove the pain is to no 
longer be able feel it. Many have gone this route and it is sad to see 
the destructive power of ones decision to take matters into their own 
hands leaving in the wake many who bear the sorrow of one’s 
painful destructive choices. The key word is choice and some make 
the choice to no longer suffer even though there are still other hopeful 
avenues to take. Many fall prey to substance abuse which can 
cloud perspective to the point of making a deadly choice. That is 
why medicating oneself improperly is the most dangerous way to 
deal with brokenness and depression.

There are times the pain I felt was so bad that I no longer wanted to live, 
but as I took the time to see the finality and effect of that decision on 
others, it was worth it to me to ponder a different way to deal with my 
darkness and seek help from the one who has the power to change the 
way I think and feel. Only through the supernatural power of the Holy 
Spirit can my thoughts and feelings be consumed with hope and peace. 
God wants to complete His work in us and through us.

Philippians 1:6 NIV

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry 
it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Ultimately it is God’s plan for us to become like His son:

Romans 8:29 (The Message)

God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the 
outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life 
of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the 
original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that 
decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling 
people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis 
with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them 
to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun. 

Even when the odds seem stacked against us. Even when we are suffering and have a broken spirit. Take to heart this promise from God which held true for Joshua and will hold true for us today.

Joshua 1:5 (NLT)

No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with 
you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.

God says:   He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Joshua 1:5)

God has a plan:   To give us a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

The Good News:   God loves us and sent Jesus to rescue us! (John 3:16)

Remember this truth: no one can separate us from the love of God:

Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, 
neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, 
nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of 
God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

So, how can we cope with life in a fallen world? 

The Holy Spirit who indwells in us and who daily desires to fill us 
with hope, will help us cope with suffering and brokenness in a 
fallen world!

I have learned that there is still hope even when I begin to lose it. 
Take these 2 passages below to heart when you are struggling and 
need supernatural help and strength.

Isaiah 40:31 TLB

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount 
up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and 
not faint.

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and 
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of 
God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your 
minds in Christ Jesus.

Eternally speaking, only a Spirit filled life in Christ can bring real hope.

Blessings……………….Dave

Coping with Suffering and Brokenness in a Fallen World Part 1

Coping with Suffering and Brokenness in a Fallen World Part 1

As a result of the the original sin, God's perfect creation here on earth has changed. Mankind now experiences the fullness of living life in a fallen and broken world. Therefore, due to our sin nature, mortal bodies, and the results of the choices we and others make, sickness, death, suicide, the personal tragedy of broken marriages, broken relationships, financial loss, job loss and difficulties etc. are the circumstances we have to deal with on an everyday basis. Many times facing difficulties, pain and our own broken nature, bring us to the end of our rope. We find ourselves living in despair, losing hope, and perspective, where the light at the end of the tunnel begins to fade into the darkness.

Because we all get sick physically and in many cases spiritually, we must find a way to cope with our suffering and brokenness in both categories.

The one thing that followers of Jesus can count on is that they don’t have to walk through life’s physical and spiritual difficulties, and tragedies, alone. God promises to renew their strength. He promises that He won’t abandon them in their times of trouble.

Isaiah 40:31 (New International Version 1984)

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Psalm 46:1 (New International Version 1984)

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Deuteronomy 31:8 (New International Version)  

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Matthew 11:28-29 (New International Version)

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Along with the troubles Christians or for that matter anyone faces, we all at some point will have to deal with the issue of a broken spirit. In many cases a broken spirit can actually be a positive in the life a person struggling to gain perspective and direction.

It is human nature for us to want to be in control of our lives. We want to direct our own paths so we can experience what we think is the ultimate in pleasure and success. However, God has carved out a path for our lives that has an eternal purpose, and He wants to take the lead in directing us toward the life and work He has prepared in advance for us. He wants us to experience life with Him, not apart from Him. So, when God tells us that He has a plan for our lives, we can be assured that it is a good one and one that will track in a way that fulfills His good purpose.

Scripture that confirms God's greater plan for us:

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version 1984)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

 Romans 8:28 (New International Version)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Philippians 2:13 (New International Version) 

for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

This plan includes our salvation:

John 3:16 (TLB)

For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

Because God has given us the freedom to make choices, we can either seek God’s direction or not. However, trusting in God has its benefits. For instance God promises to make our paths straight (Direct our lives in accordance with His will) :

Proverbs 3:5-6 (New International Version 1984)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight  

Jesus promises that in Him we can find peace:

Philippians 4:6-7 (New International Version) 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 God promises to provide a way out of temptation:

1 Corinthians 10:13 (New International Version)

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Those are just a few examples of God promises. 

There are many more promises that God makes to those who become followers of Jesus’.

Here is a list followers of Jesus can embrace:

Love

Wisdom

Courage

Strength

Confidence

Faith 

Provision

Grace

Forgiveness

Eternal life

Peace

Rest

Compassion

Reconciliation

Redemption

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit as a sign and seal of our salvation

Inheritance 

Maturity

Hope

Perseverance

Comfort

Discipline


Even with all these promises we must believe God is trustworthy:

Numbers 23:19 (New Living Translation)

God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?

Joshua 23:14 (New International Version 1984)

 “Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.

So when we put our faith and trust in God, He will direct our paths and He will fulfill the promise to give us a hope and a future. The proper perspective on this should be; we can experience joy now, because God has an eternal plan for His children. He has prepared a place in heaven for those who receive His gift of faith; for those who believe in Jesus’ work on the cross that forgave our sin and reconciled us back to God. The reason why this promise is an eternal hope is because our physical bodies will breakdown and perish but our spiritual bodies live for all eternity with God.  Also, in heaven there will be no more death and suffering. With this eternal perspective in mind we can persevere through life even though we are faced with the reality of death, brokenness and suffering in a fallen world. This life is not all there is.

Our Future in Heaven:

Revelation 21:4 (New International Version) 
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

It is important to remember that it is God’s desire that everyone be saved from the consequences of the eternal effect of unrepentant sin which can separate us from a Holy God for all eternity.

2 Peter 3:9 (New International Version 1984)

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 

God makes this promise to His people:

Jeremiah 29:12-13 (New International Version 1984)

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

I like this version of the same verse as well:

Jeremiah 29:12-13 (The Message)

"When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. "When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree. "I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you"—God's Decree—"bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it.

The above verse assures me that when I sincerely call on God He will listen. That He has the power to turn my life around. That He desires to bring me back from my self-imposed separation and exile resulting from my sinful   desire to do life apart from Him. Even though these promises were initially made for Israel, God’s Word is alive and active and will speak to us if we have ears that are willing to listen and take to heart what He is trying to tell us.

Hebrews 4:12 (New International Version 1984)

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 

There are times when I try to impose my own will and try to carve my own path even though I know God has a better plan for me. When I struggle with God on this issue I have learned that He will allow me to suffer the consequences of my decisions to do life apart from Him. He knows that in my case, this is how I will learn the hard lessons of a life that has not died to self.

God is actually being merciful to me by allowing me to feel the weight of my own sin because He knows that my spirit will come to a point of brokenness. At that point, when I am on my knees, God knows I will turn back to Him in humility and weakness of spirit. God shows me His amazing grace through His forgiveness of my less than loving actions and transgressions which affect my relationship with Him. God lovingly redirects my life. And in my humility and reverence to God who is gracious enough to continually forgive me, I will submit to His will and surrender my own desires for His. It is often that after confession and repentance, God will lead me back on the road to real abundant life. Sometimes He will make me wait patiently in anticipation of doors being opened based on His timing of events and the master tapestry He is weaving to complete His perfect plan.    

I have learned that God’s power is made perfect in my weakness and I need God’s power in my life to be able to live in abundance in a fallen world. Through God's power and not my own will I truly live a life that is filled abundant truth, love, joy and eternal perspective

I think the Apostle Paul said it best when he asked God to take away His “thorn in his flesh”: This thorn was some kind of an affliction that hindered Paul in some way which ultimately led him to depend on God's power and strength in order for him to contend with life as one who is set apart to God in service. Whatever Paul's thorn was, the positive effect was that it kept him humble and dependent on God to meet His needs and equip Him for ministry.

2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (New International Version)
Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me but He (God) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

The truth is, God’s grace is sufficient for us and His power will work in us when we are at the point when we realize that we are broken. We need to get to that point where we realize our great need for Him to intervene in our circumstances. We need to get to that place where we are ready to receive what He has to offer. There have been so many times that I have tried to handle difficult circumstances in my own strength and through my own limited perspective. Those times have been costly because I do not handle myself well. I have a tendency to get angry, despair, and lose hope, causing other people to get hurt in the process. I realize that I need the discernment, direction, strength, and comfort that only the Holy Spirit can offer. In order to not revert back to my old self which is not representative of a man who has set his life apart to God, I need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit I am the new self, the new creation in Christ.



Blessings...............Dave

The offsetting reality of intergalactic weirdness Part 19 Proverbial Edition

The offsetting reality of intergalactic weirdness

Part 19 Proverbial Edition

      

If you want to be wise don’t believe lies

If it won’t flush, don’t flush it again

Cats don’t fly, so don’t even try

If you normally give a 110 % don’t ask for a 10% refund

Diets work if you stay on the diet

Look in the mirror before you say something mean

Spiders and other insects don’t care if you do not like them

Be nice to everyone and upset the status quo

Honey is sweeter than a bee’s sting

Everything free has a cost

Your source of wisdom will open the door of your fate

If you don’t trust what you are leaning on then don’t

Make heaven your number one eternal vacation