"Do not worry!" (Matt 6:25 NIV)
Jesus said these words, longing
for us, his disciples, to experience Him fully as our complete heavenly peace.
The braderij (Street vendors selling their wares) was
everywhere the day we arrived in Oostende, Belgium, and with it lots of noise
and confusion. We felt like we were being squeezed like sardines as we walked
the streets, for it seemed that every inhabitant of Oostende was walking the
streets with us. In all, it was overwhelming!
Merchants from seemingly everywhere were on the
streets of this town, and many of the potential customers seemed worried. They
wanted to find the best deals out there before anyone else would notice them.
Hungry seagulls also enjoyed the Braderij as they
hopped about the town square, feasting on discarded food. They, too, were
shopping for the best food in town!
Surrounded by a cacophony of different kinds of music,
each trying to outdo the next, we entered into a market place where a group of
native people performed with their flutes. As their quiet music spread amongst
the hectic shoppers, I felt a sense of peace creep into my soul, and although I
was surrounded by hustle and worry, no one could rob me of that peace. Jesus was
in my heart. In all reality, how many of these wares would still be valuable in
a year's time?
The true inner peace that each person craves has to be
cultivated, and can only truly happen when we foster a relationship with the
Peace Maker.
Jesus longed for us to experience Him, the only One
who gives inner peace. He urges all of us to let go of our worries, and He gives
us powerful reasons to do so:
1. "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or
reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you
not much more valuable than they?" (Matt 6:26 NIV)
2. "If that is how God clothes the grass of the field,
which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more
clothe you, O you of little faith?" (Matt 6:30 NIV)
3. "Your heavenly Father knows that you need them."
(Matt 6:32 NIV)
The question of whether to worry or not is really a
question of trust. Do we trust God enough to leave all of our worries at His
feet? Do we let Him be our God?
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God;
trust also in me." (John 14:1 NIV)
The solution to the worrying mind is simple: "Seek
first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to
you as well." (Matt 6:33 NIV). Seek God first and you will find inner peace.
Worry has truly no place in a heart that is filled with His presence.
"Would you like these beautiful black pearls? They
would look so good on you!"
"Don't listen to him! Take these stunning earrings
instead! They fit you to a tee!"
Wait! Do I really look like a golf ball?
Why not put your trust in Me (Jesus) instead?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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