Posts
Monday, January 25
Peace….sometimes elusive, isn’t it?
The Bible says Jesus is Immanuel, God with us, always, and He is Jehovah-shalom, the Lord our peace.
At the Last Supper, in preparing the disciples for His death and departure, Immanuel spoke many things to them, and said this, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27 NKJV)
However, our Immanuel peace is sometimes in a state of flux, sometimes disintegrating. When chores, church, family, and all the rest, bulge our itineraries, they hold us captive and our prayer time usually suffers, slipping into oblivion. We end up with the “captivity of activity.”
Martha received Jesus into her home, yet, she busied herself with other things rather than sit at His feet. Jesus scolded her, “You are anxious and troubled about many things.” (Luke 10:41 NKJV) Can’t you see Him shaking His head and, in essence, saying, “Martha, Martha, you’re distracted with too many anxieties and cares; you have too much going on in your head; there’s a crowd in there making an uproar, disturbing your peace.”
When we are busied with the cares and anxieties of life, making no time for sitting at the feet of our most Beloved for intimate conversations, we relegate Him to a waiting room. Our peace is then at risk.
How often do you ignore Jesus’ command to “not worry about your life” (Matt. 6:25a NIV)? It would be to our advantage to heed Paul’s word, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” (Phil. 4:6a TLB) The Message says it this way, “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayer, letting God know your concerns.”
The lack of worry and anxiety sabotaging our faith and cluttering our prayers has a promise, as Paul tells us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7 NLT)
What rolls around in your head making an uproar, disturbing your peace? Are you sitting at the Lord’s feet or have you put Him on a waiting list?
I pray the same for all of you what Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thess. 3:16 NKJV)
Immanuel, God with us, Jehovah-shalom, the Lord our peace, always.
So true, Lynn - Jesus is our peace. Peace isn't something He gives...peace is a Person. I find myself remembering that Immanuel is not only nearby, He is now living within me. To know this is to know His peace:-)
Nice writing. I liked your phrase "captivity of activity." Ain't that the truth!
Wonderful post as always Lynn. What rolls around in my head disturbing my peace? Usually it's regrets. Dumb!
Blessings galore...
Lynne... oh my, this could have been a response to my post on Peace.
I'm so happy you joined the carnival. I really appreciate your wise words!
He didn't give us peace as we define it -- not peace in "human terms," but peace in God's terms. The kind that lasts forever. Good post.
I like this piece about peace -- you opened the eyes of my heart.
Thank you!
Amen, Lynn! I felt peace while just reading your words. Thank you!
This is very well said Lynn. Thank You Father God for using Lynn to share Your message and lessons with us. In Jesus' name, amen.
Thank you for your beautiful post, Lynn, and the reminder to sit at the feet of Jesus and find peace in our lives.
In Israel, Shalom is spoken as a blessing in a greeting.
Your post reminded me. We can speak into each other's lives that way. Shalom.
This is something that has been on my mind a lot lately. I love your phrase, "captivity of activity". It is a perfect description.
At first glance peace sounds like something that should just fall upon you. You just sit there while it magically *happens.* And it does just happen. God gives us His peace as a gift whenever we are "still and know that He is God." But nobody said sitting still wasn't hard work!
I have His peace in me, for sure. I make it my daily aim not to worry, because I believe 'worry' is a sin, Jesus says DO NOT worry, it is command. So, I try not to do it, like i try not to sin in general. It's not an easy thing to do, but I am sure it pleases Him if we succeed (one day at the time, haha)
I admire Mary but I love Martha. She speaks my language. I'm glad that Jesus loved Martha too. :)
Oh, Vicki, without Jesus, we wouldn't have peace, would we? I cannot imagine not having my Jesus Peace!
I heard someone say "captivity of activity." Hence, the quotes. I think it might have been Beth Moore.
Blessings to you, dear friend!
Hey, Lorrie! God's back is to the past. It's covered! And He's got our backs! Having regrets doesn't do us much good, does it? I've had a few of those myself! Blessings to you, sweetie!
Hey, Bridget! I know I thanked you elsewhere but wanted to thank you again. So glad I got to be a part of the blog tour. Be blessed!
Glynn, Yes, you're so right. It's sometimes hard for us to grasp, isn't it? Thank you so much for taking time to read and comment. I deeply appreciate it. Blessings to you!
M.L., Thank you very much. You've made my heart happy! Bless you!
Aw, Sarah! You've blessed me! Thank you so much for reading and commenting. You're so sweet! Bless you!
Bless you, Kimberly! You are such a sweet follower! Thank you! May the Lord bless you!
Hey, dear Connie! You are always so sweet and kind. Thank you for your friendship! Bless you!
Kathleen, You are so right! Thank you for commenting. And shalom! Be blessed!
Hey, Alisa! Haven't bumped into you in a long while! So glad to see you. Thanks so much for commenting! Blessings to you!
Absolutely, Miss Katie-kins! Sitting still is the hurdle, isn't it? Thanks for commenting! Bless you!
Oh, Marja, you are so right. Once you get used to that peace, then something happens and you begin to slide out of it, your crave that peace! Thanks for being such a dear friend! Blessings to you!
LOL! Oh, Pegg! What would we ever do without all the Marthas! They are appreciated! As are you! Bless you!
I love this "captivity of activity", I believe that is where many of us are trapped at times. Let me know if I cannot use that phrase in my blog.
kim
ps. am just turning my blog into a keepsake book for the kids.
Wow, Kim! L-o-n-g time no see! So happy you stopped by! You may certainly use it because I heard someone else say it. I think it might have been Beth Moore. Not sure. Blessings to you!