It was never God's original plan that we live in conflict, stress, or striving. He created the world as a beautiful place and us for peace, joy, and love. This is why I think it's so harmful if we, either by our environments, relationships, habits, or employment choices, find ourselves going into battle with people constantly or dealing with high-stress situations over long periods. We weren't built for that type of life, and even when people think they are great at conflict and resolving problems and everybody's angst and issues, it's not good for our health or peace of heart and mind in the long run.
God is love, and we are made in His image, so it makes sense that we, too, are built for love. For peace and not war and joy and not constant angst. Every time we have to fight for what we want, become anxious, are surrounded by continual conflict, or open the door to strife in our lives, it if left unchecked can cause a lot of trauma and allow room for the devil to cause trouble in our lives. (James 3:16) It's safe to say that the devil loves drama and strife.
One of the names for Jesus is Prince of Peace, and when we invite him to be part of our lives and choose to follow his way of living, it's His peace that He gives to us. (Isaiah 9:6; John 14:27.
However, sometimes we can discover that we have left our peace somewhere down the road. We are still walking, but we've lost our peace.
Today I want to encourage you to check in on the level of peace and love you have been carrying within your heart and surrounding yourself. Are you settled in your heart and mind or feeling anxious, stressed, and frustrated with your life. Jesus says He is our peace and asks us to cast all our burdens and worries on Him and to ask for what we need. He promises us that as we keep our eyes fixed on Him, He will keep us in perfect peace and shed abroad his love in our hearts. (Isaiah 26:3; Romans 5:5)
Trust Him and put in his capable hands all those things that may be concerning you today. When next faced with conflict or difficult decisions and situations, choose the way of peace and love because that is what you are really built for and where you will find Jesus and His hand at work.
"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." (1 John 4:16)
"Though the mountains be shaken, and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10)
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you hold all things together. Please restore any brokenness in me and help me in the difficult situations in my life. I choose peace and love today, and I ask that you fill my heart with your love today. In Jesus name Amen.
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