“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.”
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
Paul’s next “finally” is one of the great keys to a life of rest in the midst of the storms which threatened to destroy them.
Let’s unlock this one slowly.
How can one have peace inside when the wind outside is blowing with hurricane force? These believers, under the rule of a hostile government, didn’t know whether they would still be alive the next day. They were under constant surveillance…like those in communist-ruled and Islamist countries today, whose lives are also under constant threat.
Paul said that there is a inner peace from God that is more powerful and effective than any death threat they faced or any daily situation that confronted them. How could this peace take up its position in their lives?
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Paul’s first word…a caution…do not allow your thoughts, not even one, to confuse you. The translation, “anxious”, masks the meaning Paul intended. Where “anxiety” conveys the meaning of “worry”, Paul meant, “Don’t allow your thoughts to pull you in two different directions.” This is not about sin…unbelief…worry. This is about confusion.
This is the place where the “what ifs” intrude, pulling us apart inside. Trusting God despite…collides with the frighteningly real thoughts of “what if…”, leaving us exhausted and helpless.
What do we do with these conflicting thoughts?
Paul said, ”Give them all to God.” Give Him all the thoughts that confuse you but…and here’s the key…although it sounds like an afterthought…do it with a thankful heart…like someone who is only too grateful to put down a burden too heavy to carry.
“God, this is what I’m thinking but I’m thankful that you know what is best for me. I gladly give you my confusion and I trust you for the outcome.”
Once the load has been transferred onto the Father, something amazing happens. The anxiety goes…completely…and the thoughts become quiet. The storm inside stops…and a supernatural power takes its place.
Peace isn’t the absence of conflict. It’s the powerful presence of the God of peace, that sits in the guard-post of your heart…everything you are…and your mind…everything you think…and permits nothing to get past Him that He does not authorise.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 NIV
With Jesus as the guarantor of everything He has done and promises to do, you are secure. Nothing can touch you that does not come through His love and for your good.
Armed with a peace that is on permanent duty in the guard-post of your heart…the presence of God Himself…no confusion can get past Him to muddy the waters and divert your thoughts from utter and complete confidence in Him…unless you allow it!
To be continued