There seems to be a constant call for our attention in many different directions today. Which way do we turn? How do we follow what is right? Wait! We are given the prescription for times like this in God’s word. God has given us what we need, and God has assured us in His promise to provide the needed wisdom when we ask.
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) — 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
James 1:5–8 (ESV) — 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
But how do you know if what you sense as the right thing to do is really from God or not? Answer: The promise of peace.
James 3:17–18 (ESV) — 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Stop and think about this for a moment. God is the God of peace, the Lord Jesus Christ is the prince of peace, and the Holy Spirit brings forth fruit that includes peace, so wouldn’t it make sense one of the ways in which God makes His way known to us or lets us know our decision is the right way that He would provide PEACE.
Hebrews 13:20–21 (ESV) — 20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) — 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV) — 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Let’s go even further down this road of exploring the will of God and making sure we are on the right track. One of the roads you don’t want to head down is the road of anxiety or worrying. One old preacher said worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair, you get a lot of activity, but you never get anywhere. However, the antidote to worry is prayer and look what that will get you:
Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV) — 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Not only that but if we continue down that road of antidote to worry, we shall find peace being multiplied:
Philippians 4:8–9 (ESV) — 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Peace of God and the God of peace are yours when you apply God’s word to your situation. Sounds like the way to knowing what to do in life is taking God’s word and applying it to your life, seeking the way of peace which only He can give.
1 Peter 3:10–12 (ESV) — 10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Colossians 3:15–17 (ESV) — 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker
