I don’t know about you, but all of the bad news from Wall Street to Main Street is having a profound affect on our nation and the world. People have a real sense of fear, anxiety, stress and dread. As I’ve sought the Lord during this time, here are the thoughts that I’ve been hearing from Him. (Just to clarify – this is not an audible voice from heaven but a message that comes from many sources – mostly the Bible.)
Be still. This is not a surprise since Scripture records over and over God’s telling us to ‘be still and know that I am God.’
The purpose of ‘being still’ is to gaze upon God – to recall His power to accomplish His purpose and plan. — Michael Pfau
When Israel left Egypt and was trapped with the Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptians behind them God first told them to ‘stand still’ and see His deliverance. My tendency is to get in a frenzy of activity and try to take care of things. Action is important and needs to be taken but only after we quiet our hearts and look to God first. After telling Israel to ‘be still’ God then told them to go forward straight into the Red Sea! They would have NEVER chosen that route on their own unless God told them to go this way. Have you quieted your heart enough to hear God’s voice? In what direction is God telling you to move?
Be clear. This concerns my focus, my priorities, what I’m living for. A by- product of anxiety is the lack of peace. Anxiousness occurs by focusing on what could go wrong in the future. It sees a future without God, His promises and help. As you look at the future let me encourage you to look through the lens of God’s promises. One that comes to mind for me is from Psalm 23 – ‘surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’ Create a reservoir of promises that you can draw from to encourage yourself in good and difficult times. If you need a place to begin start in the book of Psalms and chapter 103.
I really would love to hear from you! Please email me or post a comment in the blog or on Facebook and let me know what is going on between you and God regarding finding your own peace in the storm and let’s encourage one another.
I really appreciate your message about having peace in the storms, especially through Psalm 23. When I think of Jesus, The Shepherd, telling me that because of my relationship with Him, I “shall not be in want,” I have confidence that whatever the storms are, I can handle them in Him. What you said about “goodness and mercy following me all the days of my life, and dwelling in the house of the Lord forever,” is deeply reassuring. I don’t always remember that immediately when a storm hits, but the more he has been taking me through storms, the easier it is to trust Him in future storms. God’s best to you in every storm! CHRIST IS ALL, Steve.
Thanks for sharing Steve! Love the insights.
Thanks for this Michael! I just love the comment that peace comes from knowing God is in our future!! Anxiousness sees a future without God, His promises and and His help!! Exactly!! oh to remember that when the anxious feeling arises! good clarification!
Thanks for sharing Paula!
this is a great reminder and good clarification!!! thanks a lot Michael.
To regain peace, especially under the pressure and pushing of the world, I have one simple and short, truthful prayer. It is this: Jesus Christ is Lord of my circumstances.
Thanks for sharing the prayer Fran. Short but powerful because of the name of Jesus!