FIND PEACE AND REST WITHIN
In our time, we seem to be in a perpetual quest for answers and
fulfillment in places and spaces other than the ones we presently occupy. A
quick walk down any street in America occasions frequent encounters with
persons who (while walking or driving) are immersed in smart phone diatribes
with people in distant locales. It seems that we resist the common-sense
notion to become fully engaged and immersed in ‘this’ existential moment.
Somehow, we want to be where we are not, to have what we do not, to become what
we may not. Question: What does this vain preoccupation convey about our
society, and more importantly, about us?
There is an ancient legend which tells of a mouse that was very
afraid of cats. So, she wished she could become as powerful as a
cat. Her wish came true and she was suddenly transformed into a
female feline. But then she spied a dog. Becoming fearful
again, she wished she could become a canine. Her wish was granted
instantaneously, and she turned into a dog. Then she saw a lion and
she was totally terrified by his power and strength. You guessed
it. She wished she could become a lion so that she might never be
fearful of lions again. Her wish was granted and right away she
became a lion. After this, she saw a man with a gun who was about to
shoot her. You can imagine what happened next. She wished
she could become a human being and she did. But only a few hours
later, as she was sitting in her house, she spotted a mouse. Totally
frightened, she fell to her knees and began to call fervently upon the
Lord. In the end, she discovered that only HE can break the cycle of
existential fear.
In our endless quest for difference and distinctiveness in life, we
eventually come to realize that inner peace, joy, contentment and success are
not discoverable in any alternate identity, or location, or group, or career,
or status, or circumstance. True peace produces true rest, which is
an attitude of gratitude and contentment that is never about the externals. It
is found only within – divinely deposited from above – and it is the undeniable
heritage of ALL who diligently seek HIM. With or without life’s frills,
that is the only legitimate and lasting space of success.
And the peace of God,
which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
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