“Pilgrim Reflections” “The Peace of His Presence”
It’s what everyone’s looking for:
Peace-of-mind. The Assurance that everything’s going to be okay.
Yes, everywhere we look these days, folks are anxious, angry or both. They’re worried about the economy, global warming, the threat of terrorism, flooding, famine, etc. And, when you throw in all of the other craziness that’s going on, it’s a wonder that we’re not in worst shape than we are.
But, thankfully, in the midst of all this misery and madness, there’s still hope: and His Name is Jesus.
Now, I’m not talking about religion—for religion is a manmade attempt to find God and be right with Him: and all it can do is make you miserable. No, I’m talking about a relationship with the God of the universe through Jesus, His Son.
And, it’s through this personal relationship with Him that we experience His incomparable, indescribable Peace (John 14:1, 27; Philippians 4:7)—which is the “Peace of His Presence.”
How wonderful to know there’s never a situation we’ll face where He’s not there as “a very present Help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Likewise, there’s never a time when He’ll “leave us or forsake us” (Hebrews 13:5): for He’s that “faithful Friend Who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24; I Corinthians 10:13).
What does all that mean? What makes these Promises any different from other positive thinkers’ mottos and mantras?
Again, it’s His abiding Presence and knowing He can’t lie—and nothing, absolutely nothing—can “pluck us out of His Grip of Grace” or separate us from His Love (John 10:28-30; Romans 8:28; Hebrews 6:17-18).
Look at it this way:
All other religions tell you how to be right with God or experience inner peace-of-mind. Some say “Do this” or “Don’t do that,” while others tell you to meditate while assuming certain body positions and chanting certain phrases.
But, none of those can give us God’s “Peace that passes all understanding” (Phil. 4:7); only Jesus’ Presence can do that.
Yes, it’s knowing that this same One Who conquered death and the grave has promised to “not leave us as orphans, but will come to us” (Jn. 14:18), is with us when everything’s falling apart.
This includes those times when we’re sick. . .when our money’s run out before the month has. . .when we’ve been abandoned by family and friends. . .when we’ve lost our job. . .or even when we’ve seemingly lost our faith, etc.
Even then, He’s still there, saying “Come. Come to Me. Bring Me your burdens and cares, your worries and your fears. Give them to Me and quit trying to carry them on your own.
“Yes, throw them My way—and, if you’re too tired to even to that, I’ll come to you. Just let go of them: knowing I care for you” (Matthew 11:28-30; I Peter 5:7).
Hope this makes sense to you, dear Friend. Here’s also hoping you’ll find in Jesus everything you’ve been looking for and more. He’s truly the One you’ve been looking for all of your life and He loves you very, very much; so, isn’t it about time to quit trying to make it on your own and trust Him?
I put my Faith/trust in Him many years ago at the age of seven. And, I’ve been serving Him now for 50+ years and He’s never failed me yet—even though I’ve failed Him many, many times.
Yes, look to Him now and always. Place your trust in Him; then rest in Him—knowing everything’s going to be okay. Truly, is Presence equals Peace-of-mind and “Hope as a sure-and-steadfast Anchor of the soul” (Heb. 6:18-20).
So, what are you waiting for?
Today’s the Day to rely, rest and rejoice in Him. Do it now.
(NOTE: If you’d like to contact Bro. Tom or receive his daily e-mail devotional, entitled “Morning Manna,” you can write him at P.O. Box 614, Mulberry, AR 72947 or e-mail him at pressingon@hotmail.com).
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