Be at Rest

So many things going on. So much to do. So many responsibilities. An event here, an event there. Taking care of kids, studying, working, planning. The list goes on and on and so often we can be caught up in the laundry list of tasks, opportunities, events and responsibilities that life throws at us. What I want to remind us all of this week is that in the midst of the storm, there is always the peace of God.

In Matthew 8, when Jesus spoke to his disciples in the midst of the storm, he wasn't frantically trying to muster up faith within them or calm them down. Interestingly enough, he really wasn't even interested in stopping the storm; if you'll recall, he was asleep. Asleep! In the middle of massive storm! How?! Plain and simple, he knew in whom His trust was placed: the Father. Jesus gave us a clear example of having peace in the midst of the storm, but we also see in his life that the priority was already set for Him to be at peace when the storm came. In the midst of everything he continued to pray, seek the Father, and know His will. That's the challenge that lies before us as 21st century, believers in the American church. We must learn to put aside the distractions and look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).

As you go about the task and responsibilities and even the fun things in life, don't lose your focus. By maintaining your focus the promise of the word is that the peace of God would guard our hearts and minds. Why? Because we rest in knowing who He is and who we are in Him. That scripture (Philippians 4:6-7) begins by telling us that if we would '... by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make our requests known to God...', then the peace that passes understanding would guard our hearts and minds by Christ Jesus. Making our requests known to God with thanksgiving in this verse shows that we realize that all we have need of is in Him and that if we're in Him, we'll ask the right questions, desire the right things and line up whatever in our lives is out of step with His will, according to His word.

In the midst of any storm that comes, whether it seems to be good or bad, be at rest. Not because you sit down to do nothing, but because you cease from your works to lay hold of His. In so doing, the peace of God will truly guard your heart and mind.