[Philippians 4:4-9 KJV] “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
“Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.“
Listen! Whether you like it or not, we live in a world laden with cares and anxiety; but you can experience peace and tranquility in the midst of the storms. PEACE is finding stability and tranquility in the midst of a storm and a turmoil!
There is so much pressure in the world because of two reason:
- The devil has increased the pressure because he knows he has a short time.
- We have expanded our taste so much that nothing satisfies us any more.
- The lack of faith in the faithfulness, ability, and will of God to help us.
These are three (3) key reasons why there is so much pressure in the world. Many are suffering, and many are hurting. There are three simple things you can do if your will find peace in the midst of the storm;
1. Embrace where you are with joy, contentment, and gratitude while you work towards the future.
No matter what you do, this is where we are. You can cry the whole day, it won’t change anything. Though they hanged their harps by the rivers of Babylon; they did not return. Be bold enough to admit that this is where we are now and let us be grateful for the time being. Be filled with thanks and gratitude while we work hard to breakout. “A merry heart does good like medicine but a broken spirit who can bear!”
2. Be moderate in all you do and learn to be temperate in all things.
Many of us are so displeased because we are too extravagant. We clamour for too much and lust after many things. Remember the end is near and we cannot carry anything out of this place. Let us learn to be moderate and work hard to help others. Be moderate and temperate in all you do and in your cravings. Craving for more than is enough will trap you.
3. Learn to pray more, instead of worrying.
It is vain to sit up late and to rise early to eat the bread of worry. We must build up ourselves to pray more than to worrying. No one can change anything by worrying. Prayer changes things; faith moves mountains; worrying only stresses you out! We must build the tenacity of praying and believing even through the storm.
4. Stay your mind on God
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3 KJV)
Strive to fix your mind on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report and praise-worthy; rather than the rumours and news of pain and hurt. What you fix your mind on will determine the extent of peace you enjoy.
5. Do the things you have learnt and seen and heard from your pastor who follows Jesus.
Sometimes, you feel so troubled that you get confused about what to do, and the safest thing to do is to follow the example of your pastor. Sometimes, people have so many suggestions for you, and the extent of pain and anxiety you feel may not allow you to think; that is when what you had both seen, learnt, and heard from your pastor matters.
Stay blessed
