What is going on everyone!! So for this week, I was challenged by my mentor to be more disciplined in my bible reading. That is a whole part two message about reading our bibles haha. But for now, I want to gather us around the idea of being at peace in Christ, and not overcomplicating our relationship with God. I really do believe that when we simplify God’s truth, then it will put our hearts at peace when we are troubled and disturbed.
Currently, I have been reading through the book of Luke. From reading, I saw a couple of different instances where people were told to be at peace in the unknown. Firstly, in Luke chapter 2 we see in verse 8 that there were shepards guarding their flock during the night. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to them and it says that the shepards were terrified. I don’t know about you, but if something just comes out of nowhere, most likely it will scare the daylights out of me!! It goes on to say that the angel said “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” (Luke 2:10-11). I love this because even though the shepards were scared and terrified, the angel said a simple statement: to not be in fear; be at peace. I really believe God is saying the same thing to us today. That despite whatever is going on in our lives, that we don’t necessarily need a long, drawn out conversation. Our confidence comes from the peace of God and His promises to us.
Another example comes a little prior in Luke chapter 1. The scripture is talking about the foretelling of the birth of Jesus. We all know the story of how the angel came to Mary to tell her that she was going to have a son and to name him Jesus and He will be the son of God. What strikes me is that just like with the shepards, the angel appeared to Mary, and she was “Confused and disturbed” (Luke 1:29). It goes on to say that she tried to think through why the angel appeared to her. The angel replied and said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:30). This is such a word for us because God is saying that it is okay to feel confused and disturbed. It is okay to feel angry and lost. However, that is not the end of the story. God is saying simply, “Do not be afraid. I know exactly what I have promised you, to never leave you alone. To prosper you and to guide you.” Sometimes, when we overcomplicate our faith, it gives the enemy a foothold to get us to fall into unbelief. Do yourself a favor and end the conversation with the promises of your Creator. Don’t let the enemy get a leg up and get you confused and disturbed.
I strongly encourage us to take our walks with the Lord seriously. The enemy knows that we have power from God, and he will do whatever it takes to extinguish the fire that has been placed inside of us. We need to simply remind ourselves that we can be at peace when we are feeling a lack of peace. That we have strength when we are experiencing being pressed beyond our strength. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). In the storms of life, we can be at peace knowing we are more than conquerors.
Much Love,
Ryan W.
