Sunday, July 16, 2023

In a world filled with conflict and strife — a time when certainty and hope tend to be wanting and fleeting — peace can be such an elusive thing. Amid the constant pressure to perform, when mental health issues are front and center, it begs the question, how does one find true peace? It’s useless to rise early, go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. The Lord enjoys giving rest to those He loves. Don’t be anxious. Instead, keep praying and lift everything to Him in thanks. Lean in and rest on Jesus, not on yourself. Imagine Jesus saying, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matt 11:28-30 MSG). As you do, He will restore you and make you whole. He will settle you down, and His peace replaces the worry that rules your heart. No wonder the Jesus the angels announced in Luke 2 is called the Prince of Peace. Shalom.

Haggai has shaped my view of the world and given me God’s heart for the nations. It has molded my perspectives and refined my focus to become a sharper instrument for His use.