It’s a huge thing when we face the fact that we are (by nature) self-centered. This delightful malady has infected every person who’s ever existed-except perfect Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:15-20) When we accept this as our reality, we understand ourselves better. In every relationship, our flesh instinctively asks, “What’s in this for me?” When a human is faced with hardship, the human asks “How can I get out of this pain?” An embarrassing revelation of this condition always seems to show itself through photography and our response to pictures. Who do we look for first? Ugh.
Many of us are tired-very tired of being self-absorbed. Self-absorption always promises happiness and delivers nothing. We spend hours on ourselves feeding the flesh and still have no peace. How can we be freed from this? Is it possible?
There is one way-we go to Jesus and say, “I cannot make myself different, but you can!” We give Him our inability and He gives us His ability. Only He can give us a new heart. (Ezekiel 36:26) We all want to be absorbed by things that deliver joy-serving God and serving people. We can be free to love, free to initiate, free to focus on other people, free to experience true peace. Because He is the great Exchanger, Jesus can give us His eyes that look out at others rather than in at ourselves.
A Piece of Peace
Exhausted yet? Everyone is running right now. We are all breathless with school and work as we start to busily make plans for the next months. No matter what the age or stage, we are just a stressed people. What’s the source of our anxiety? (Ugh. No one likes that question!) More importantly, how do we organize our lives in a way that allows God to be God? I have to consistently step back to check my “control gauges”. No matter how we dress it up in spiritual language, our human nature will try to control all dimensions of life . It’s with conscious daily discipline that we sit before God and give Him our plans. I need to breathe, pray and ask myself certain questions.
1. Do I want God in control of my life? Do I truly believe He knows what He’s doing?
2. If my day doesn’t go my way or unforeseen circumstances occur, how long do I let myself struggle before I receive events as God’s hand?
3. Will I choose to stew through decisions or just release them to God? What Scriptures can I read to exchange my stress for His peace?
Here’s some Soul Food:
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
Philippians 4:6-7“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Proverbs 3:5-8“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and turn away from evil; This will mean health for your flesh and vigor for your bones.
Proverbs 16:2-3 “All one’s ways are pure in one’s own eyes, but the measurer of motives is the Lord. Entrust your works to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”
What is it about His word that gives us peace? His power is here. He wants to gives us peace for our anxiety, wisdom for our confusion, and humility for our pride. When we lean in to Him, He responds.
Know Someone in Pain? Start here.
There are people everywhere dealing with pain. Many of us have friends fighting cancer. Every time we help people deal with pain, we are reminded of a serious and uncomfortable truth.
God is bigger than we are and life is not fair.
Pain, humility, sorrow, and anguish turn us outward-always good.
Not currently helping a friend in physical pain? Here’s one more question-do you feel a little guilty that you are safe or healthy or financially blessed? Acknowledge this with Jesus. Tell Him, “I don’t know why I have am not struggling. I don’t know why I am so blessed! I don’t know how to respond, Lord.” We can “draw near to God and God will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) Humility is before service every time.
God has positioned you to be used by Him to bring LIGHT to dark tunnels in life. How?
- PRAY for those in pain.
- WEEP with those who weep. Jesus was big on this. No pep talks. No “count your blessings” mantra. Just BE with those who hurt and ask God to help you walk with them.
- GIVE time and money. Sacrifice much.
- TEACH kids that Jesus is eternal and that the world is not.
- LIVE differently. Relationships with people are what we are made for.
