By Bob Beanblossom
25 October 2016
It seems to me that a byproduct of today’s bustling world is a sense of despair–sometimes even overwhelming. Health issues. Family problems. Work and finance concerns. Children and school, sports and academics. All competing for our attention.
Consider this, from the Apostle Paul, who had his own problems. He was in a Roman prison when he wrote this:
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 those things. (Philippians 4:8) I would encourage you to read the whole section.
Paul didn’t say that we should neglect any of those important issues. He didn’t say that we were to isolate ourselves from the world, but rather to insulate ourselves through Christ from the effects of the world. You know that the ‘power of positive thinking’ just doesn’t work. You cannot just turn your concerns on and off at will.
But there is a solution. It is a growing relationship with your Savior. And salvation is the first step, a necessary step. Accept the saving grace that he offers and you are on your way to inner peace.
Just like so many areas, follow-up is vital. As I mentioned, this is a relationship. You are coming to Him to carry the load: Matthew wrote, Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) As this relationship develops and matures, you will be able to trust Him more and take advantage of the power of the Holy Spirit in your life.
He doesn’t promise utopia on earth–Paul ended up being executed for his Savior. But his witness to us is that throughout the experience he had an inward peace and calm and an outward burden for the lost. His life had aligned with God’s will for him. That combination determined his worldview and his actions.
It will work for you. The world will not change. The bills will still come due. Relationships will still ebb and flow. Babies will be born and folks will die. But you will grow in a relationship with the very Creator that will sustain you and help you develop into the person He wants you to be. It just doesn’t get better than that.