I had the privilege of hearing Kay Arthur speak a year or so ago. Her focus was on John 14. Her first bit of teaching stopped me in my tracks and has stayed with me ever since. John 14:1 says "Let not your heart be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me."
I have heard that verse many times... it is used often in conjunction with a death. And the message is usually that when our hearts are troubled, we can / should trust in God. That is true... not a bad message or a wrong one. But what Kay pointed out was the wording... LET NOT... Don't Let your heart be troubled.. That puts it all on me. It is a choice... I choose to have a troubled heart or one at peace because I trust in Him.
So no matter what life sends my way, I have a choice as to how I will let it effect me.
I was reminded of that choice again today as I read John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Again, another verse I am very familiar with.. but today God showed me the choice in it. Jesus tells us that we WILL have trouble in the world. No choice there. It is going to happen. But before that He says He has told us things (His precious promises) so that we MAY have peace.. MAY.. might.. not will. Peace is not an automatic guarantee. Again, it is a choice we make.
So today...no matter what my emotions and circumstances tell me, I am choosing to "let the peace of Christ rule my heart" (Col. 3:15) instead of letting my heart be troubled and full of unrest.
How about you? What are you choosing today?
2 comments:
Barb, you have no idea how much I needed to read this today! I have been struggling with peace lately..so thank you so much for sharing it with me!!!!
Barb, you have no idea how much I needed to read this today! I have been struggling with peace lately..so thank you so much for sharing it with me!!!!
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