ARE YOU STIRRED UP OR SETTLED?

One would think some people enjoy being stirred up by the troubles of others, or worse, by their own problems. Let’s face it, sometimes we all build mental mole hills into mountains without realizing it. doing so is an indication of focusing on the trouble instead of on God. We’ll never achieve inner peace when we insist on the wrong focus. Like a camera lens out of kilter, our perspective will mess us up every time. God would have us settled, not stirred up.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES      by Sally Bair

Settled

Glaciers are receding. Certain species of animals are disappearing. Earthquakes, floods and droughts are affecting the lives of millions across the globe.

Immorality, terror and political unrest are wreaking havoc in many countries, causing whole populations to flee their homes. Unsettling problems in our own country are bringing anger, paralyzing fear and hopelessness to many. This is all to say nothing about debilitating and terminal diseases that surround us.

So … where’s the hope? Can any one of us escape tragic events? We try, but often we use the wrong escape route. Some of us try by filling our lives with ineffectual and potentially harmful things such as mind-altering drugs, unhealthy food or mind-numbing pursuits. The habitual escapes of TV, games, books, movies and trips also may bring temporary happiness and relaxation. Eventually, however, we must face the tragedies and problems.

How we face them determines our outlook on life. When we obsess, we end up going around in circles of fear, anger and distrust. We may try to go beyond our range of thought through the emptying of our minds. We may try any of the above methods or we may struggle to fix things ourselves. But we can’t manufacture our own peace and joy.

When we decide to turn our negative feelings over to God, He will exchange them for His incomparable peace and joy. In fact, His Word promises that He will settle us. The word settle means to resolve a difficulty, make our home in a new place or become calmer and more comfortable. Abraham had faith to become settled in God. In fact, all who are faithful—full of faith in God—are settled in God.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength. For He brings down those who dwell on high ….” (Isaiah 17: 3-4)

We will have no peace within ourselves, others or God without faith in Him. All of our trying for it will fail. Many will claim they live in peace, yet anyone who has embraced total faith in God will say that no other kind of peace exists except His.

Lord, thank You for settling us in You. Keep our minds stayed on You rather than the unsettling, ineffectual ways we are tempted to use as escape from our problems. In Jesus’ name, amen.