"Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7
The above scripture is probably a familiar one because it's such a comfort to the Lord's people, knowing they have an outlet in dealing with their burdens. The Heavenly Father has love and concern for those who dedicate their lives to Him—He is personally interested in all their experiences.
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you unexpectedly." - Luke 21:34
Jesus pointed to the danger of being overwhelmed by the cares of life. To counteract this we should take time to meditate and consider the Lord's will for us. If we mentally put everything in God's hands, the worry and stress we normally experience will dissipate.
Those whose hopes rest upon the earth are especially tried by what they see in the world today. Jesus said, people's hearts would fail for fear (Luke 21:26). They see no way out and doubt whether the leaders of today can solve all the problems.
How does the world cope? Many try simply denying what is going on in the world. Escapism is one of the main forms of entertainment: go to the movies to avoid thinking about problems; don't listen to the news, it's all depressing anyway. Some turn to drugs or alcohol or other addictive behaviors— anything that takes their minds away from the world's troubles. Some bury themselves in work, their children's interests, or self-gratification. Some are fatalistic, while some turn to survivalism.
This is not to depress anyone, but to underscore what a privilege Christians have of taking their burdens to God. He knows the kind of world we live in and all the dangers that confront His followers. - "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
The key to obtaining peace of heart lies in looking to Jesus. He invites us to Christian service, which helps bring us closer to God and the rest we may be longing for. Jesus left an amazing example of servitude when he willingly died on the cross.
He also left a very personal example of serving the needs of others when he washed the feet of his disciples (John 13:1-17). He exemplified two qualities that are critical in our relationship to God: humility and meekness, or teachableness. He constantly sought direction from God. He said, "I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me" (John 6:38).
This is the pattern we must follow if we want peace of heart. We simply do not have the answers to all of life's struggles. We need God's wisdom. We cannot begin to witness God's providence until we see how insufficient we are. These are the keys to entering into His rest.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
The above scripture is probably a familiar one because it's such a comfort to the Lord's people, knowing they have an outlet in dealing with their burdens. The Heavenly Father has love and concern for those who dedicate their lives to Him—He is personally interested in all their experiences.
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you unexpectedly." - Luke 21:34
Jesus pointed to the danger of being overwhelmed by the cares of life. To counteract this we should take time to meditate and consider the Lord's will for us. If we mentally put everything in God's hands, the worry and stress we normally experience will dissipate.
Those whose hopes rest upon the earth are especially tried by what they see in the world today. Jesus said, people's hearts would fail for fear (Luke 21:26). They see no way out and doubt whether the leaders of today can solve all the problems.
How does the world cope? Many try simply denying what is going on in the world. Escapism is one of the main forms of entertainment: go to the movies to avoid thinking about problems; don't listen to the news, it's all depressing anyway. Some turn to drugs or alcohol or other addictive behaviors— anything that takes their minds away from the world's troubles. Some bury themselves in work, their children's interests, or self-gratification. Some are fatalistic, while some turn to survivalism.
This is not to depress anyone, but to underscore what a privilege Christians have of taking their burdens to God. He knows the kind of world we live in and all the dangers that confront His followers. - "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
The key to obtaining peace of heart lies in looking to Jesus. He invites us to Christian service, which helps bring us closer to God and the rest we may be longing for. Jesus left an amazing example of servitude when he willingly died on the cross.
He also left a very personal example of serving the needs of others when he washed the feet of his disciples (John 13:1-17). He exemplified two qualities that are critical in our relationship to God: humility and meekness, or teachableness. He constantly sought direction from God. He said, "I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me" (John 6:38).
This is the pattern we must follow if we want peace of heart. We simply do not have the answers to all of life's struggles. We need God's wisdom. We cannot begin to witness God's providence until we see how insufficient we are. These are the keys to entering into His rest.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
- Proverbs 3:5, 6
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