Peace Be Still

“Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken,” (NASB, Psalm 55:22). “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” (NASB, Philippians 4:6-7). “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you,” (NASB, 1 Peter 5:6-7).

Let’s suppose we’ve got a problem that has our stomach in knots with persistent worry. Friends and family try to be understanding, but after a time they grow weary of us taking our anguish out on them. We’re so focused on this issue that it feels as if we’re carrying a heavy load on our shoulders. The Lord offers a liberating alternative: “Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you,” (NASB, Psalm 55:22). Though He doesn’t erase the ills that invade this life, He instead shields us from the weight of worry by taking our situation into His own hands.

However, the call to a peaceful life is impossible without confidence in the Lord. That trust is built through a relationship with Him – praying through trials and triumphs, seeking His guidance, and testing His Word to see that it is true and practical for life.

When we’ve experienced God’s faithfulness and believe He will continue to act on behalf of His followers, that’s when peace is possible. In fact, it is not only possible but promised to the believer who trusts in Him. But unshakeable peace isn’t instantaneous; it is cultivated through a consistent relationship with the Lord.

Jeff