INTERNAL AFFAIRS

INTERNAL AFFAIRS

 PEACE is something that unquestionably emanates from within.  However, OUR EXTERNAL CIRCUMSTANCES are frequently out of alignment with THE ETERNAL PLANS AND PURPOSES OF GOD.  Nevertheless, you and I have attitudinal choices.  We must never allow ourselves to be irrationally influenced or controlled by outside circumstances.  How could this possibly be?  How can we shape and secure positive attitudes during daily close encounters with trouble or tragedy?  Indeed, it is possible because you and I are infinitely more capable and more competent than we might imagine!

 In the context of time, we merely LOOK LIKE human bodies, subject to an endless array of sensory stimuli: auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile and visual.  Admittedly, we are impacted by each of these human factors, many of which supersede the span of our control.  Nevertheless, WE ARE MUCH MORE than our frail human bodies suggest.  Far beyond our physical anatomies, THE CREATOR has endowed us with exceptional minds and eternal spirits.  This means we can live in total transcendence; and, despite anything, WE CAN RISE.  Fact is, we are nothing less than WINNER-BELIEVERS, endowed with the MIND OF GOD and encompassed by the PEACE OF GOD.  Through Him, we may embrace inexplicable peace – even in the midst of our storms.

 Consider the tale of the ancient king who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the most accurate portrayal of PEACE.  Many artists submitted their work and the king carefully examined all the pictures.  There were only two he really liked, so he had to choose between them.

 One picture was of a calm lake, perfectly mirroring the peaceful, towering mountains all around it.  Overhead was a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.  It was the favorite of all who saw it.  Truly, most observers concluded, it was the perfect portrait of peace.

 The other picture had mountains also, but they were rugged and bare.  Above was an angry sky from which rain poured down and lightning danced about menacingly.  Down the side of the mountain roared a foaming and powerful waterfall.  It would be difficult to imagine a less peaceful place!  But when the king looked more closely, he saw beside the waterfall a tiny bush growing out of a crack in the rock.  Inside the bush, a mother bird had built her family nest.  There, in the midst of that angry rush of water, sat a contented mother bird, warming and protecting her young – in perfect peace.

 Which picture would you have selected?  Surprisingly, the king decided on the second picture.  When asked “Why?” the king replied, “Because peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, no trouble, or no issues.  Peace means to be in the midst of all these things while remaining still and calm in your heart.  That is the true meaning of peace.”

 Jesus Christ bequeaths peace as a legacy to every believer.  “Peace I leave with you,” he declares, “my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)  Nevertheless, many Christians experience perpetual anxiety, shrouded in chronic and crippling fear.  This need not be.

 Prayerfully consider the following scriptural solutions:

1. God is love. (I John 4:8)
2. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment.  He that fears is not made perfect in love. (I John 4:18)
3. You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You: because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26:3)
4. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)
5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:4-6)
6. Men ought always to pray, and not to faint. (Luke 18:1)

 The message of THE WORD OF GOD is profoundly simple and crystal clear.  The first requirement for personal peace is to fully embrace GOD (who is LOVE), which positions and empowers us to expel fear.  However, this is not automatic; there is a process involved.  The second requirement is to constantly meditate on the essence and character of God, via the Word of God.  The third requirement is to seek specific direction from God for potentially troublesome situations.  This is accomplished through the vehicle of prayer.  The fourth requirement is that we PRAY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE WORD (The Covenant Contract) as we confidently enlist the support of “the Mediator” of the covenant. (Hebrews 8:6)

 My friend, have your INTERNAL AFFAIRS been set in order, or are you still struggling to maintain composure and sanity whenever you encounter life’s storms?  It is God’s perfect will that you experience the provision and prosperity that resides within His peace. (III John 1:2)  So always “let the peace of God rule in your heart, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET YOUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!