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With the proper focus, you and I can defy gravity.
Most people think that peace means a minimum of stress-producing events. Typically, when someone tries to “de-stress,” they usually discard from their life distasteful things: bad tasks, bad jobs, bad hair and even a bad spouse. The process can be like delousing.
That is not always a bad idea (well, the spouse idea may be). But the Christian life is described in the Bible as a battle (II Corinthians 10:3-5).
I once heard a sermon by Bill Johnson when he commented that the world thinks of peace as the absence of conflict. But God’s idea of peace, he said, is peace in the midst of conflict.
The story comes to mind of Peter in the midst of the storm, trying to walk on water. Whenever he got his focus on the storm, he sank. When he focused on Christ, he defied gravity.
Like Peter, we, too, can rise above the storm through focus on God. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee: . . ." (Isaiah 26:3)
A profound tool that enables this focus is meditation.
Before you get into a lotus position, let me explain that biblical meditation is not like Eastern meditation. Eastern philosophy prescribes emptying the mind. The Bible prescribes filling the mind, mainly with God’s Word.
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law does he meditate day and night." (Psalm 1:2)
As we internalize His Word (and yes, this may mean memorizing), we are constantly reminded of His loving kindness, His promises and His provision. We trust more. We believe. We rest.
Ahhh . . . I feel better already. I’m about five inches off the ground.
See the other articles in the peace series: Internal peace and the Christian, and Peace through prayer.
Comments
What a peaceful post. :-)
Peace in the midst of conflict or the storm is so hard to explain to someone who doesn't have the anchor of Christ. I hope many will read this and find that anchor. Thanks.
Excellent point Denise.
Great post, Denise!
We do see Jesus in the gospels frequently escaping to be alone with the Father and to pray and meditate. And we should all do the same. as we fill ourselves with God's Word during those times, it will be available to us not only as a weapon, but also as a comfort in our battles.
It's kind of like learning to drive a car. Hopefully most of us don't begin learning in heavy rapidly moving traffic, but in a safe place. When we are learning to drive, our focus is on the car
...and we make quick jerky adjustments in response to the world around us. Then as we become more comfortable, we're able to relax and make easier and more intentional adjustments in our driving without even thinking about the vehicle itself. I think meditating on the scriptures is much the same way. The more we meditate in peace away from the stresses, the more we are ready to utilize the Word within us in the middle of stressful situations.
Worship Mindfully!
Ricky Spears
www.MindfulWorsh
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