Daily Power #163

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. (Prov. 12:25 NLT)

We all say we want more peace, but I wonder if we’re willing to fight for it. So many people don’t even seem to recognize the things we do that often rob us of our God-given peace. Like checking your email obsessively because you’re afraid you’ll miss something and not be in control of how everyone views you as the hardworking, super-efficient person you are. Like binge-watching TV for hours on end, knowing you’re wasting time and avoiding what has to be done. Like working obsessively to avoid painful realities at home.

Here’s what many people miss. When you refuse to set limits and to obey God, you’re robbing yourself of the peace you so desperately crave. Because even the momentary escape will be followed by waves of guilt. You want to numb the pain, but on the other side of your binge, the pain is still there, often worse. You love the momentary distraction, but then reality screams at you and your responsibilities pile up. You love the thrill of the lust, but the fear of getting caught haunts you and robs you of sleep and peace. Like a person dying of thirst gulping salt water, that which is supposed to satisfy only intensifies the need. So life goes on as usual. More stress. More anxiety. More worries.

And less peace.

The Bible is quite clear about how to cultivate and enjoy God’s peace—we must fight to maintain our relationship with him. We spend time with him. We experience his presence.

Fight against the stressful lures of this world. Embrace God’s peace available to you today.

Power Lift

Dear God, I really do long for your peace. Give me strength to fight the temptation to look elsewhere for the security and rest only you can provide.