Peace & Presence

We have all encountered people who brag about being a worrier. They pair their worry with a warrior who is skillful in caring. But let’s clear up any misconception before displaying this fretful badge, as if it adds dignity to our character.

Worry enters our lives because of sin. It is a deceitful tool used by the Devil to distract us from God. The Enemy hopes to develop a den of lies in our minds. Weaving a false belief that God won’t meet our needs and we are alone in our war is the Devil’s deception. Worry (what I refer to as anxiety or fear in a persistent state) can only take over our lives if we pay attention to our problems rather than God’s truth. When the Devil succeeds in building a den in our minds, distress will create various types of impairment.

Physical problems such as panic attacks, heart failure, intestinal disorders, eczema, insomnia, or headaches are just a few things that result from anxiety. Some people turn to earthly means such as food, alcohol, drugs, gambling, or the internet to medicate their feelings. But when we try to deaden fear by feeding our flesh, we will roll in a negative snowball.  

Anxiety drives us away from social situations and affects our work and relationships. It drains energy and interferes with concentration and healthy exercise.

Grace is the answer to our fears. And grace is the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. He makes our lives complete and fills our empty spaces. He will never leave us. Experiencing this grace is possible when we saturate our thoughts with truth. We find freedom from fear by reading God’s Word. There is no better way to eliminate anxiety. 

Look away from your problems and replace this badge of worry with God’s true peace. Worry is not worth a badge. Fear needs to be stripped of its badge and kept out of sight. Rid this robber from your life by receiving God’s grace.

Sometimes, my anger gets me into mischief. Once, on a science field trip, I railed at my students for relishing nature instead of doing their assigned observations. 

“I can’t believe you didn’t complete your workbooks. Don’t you know this is a science class, not a fun field trip? I am so frustrated. Your lack of effort and focus really disappoints me!” 

I scowled into their shocked and hurt eyes before turning to the bus driver and asking him to take us back to school. 

But then, a godly administrator in that Christian school spoke with me about my response. He called my anger my “bear in the box” and encouraged me to work this through with my students. 

We did. I asked for forgiveness, recognizing my overzealous delight in tasks and their deadlines. They had actually done quite a bit of science on that excursion. Over time, our classroom humor about the bear in the box humbled that bear until it was gentled and rarely troubled us again.

King Saul had a similar bear, and God gave him a precious, godly, and kind son who offered to help him keep that bear locked in his box. Instead, Saul’s fear that David would betray him pushed that king to become a murderous betrayer—to the point of hurling a spear at his own son.

We each have negative traits God wants to address, curtail, and transform. While our sin—like Saul and me—spews accusation, hatred, and shame, Christ, like Jonathan and my administrator, offers humble freedom and peace.

Think of areas where the Spirit of God seeks to bring about your freedom.

I am always amazed by how our minds can get stuck on trivial matters, pulling us away from the important things. The game Trivial Pursuit has made the quest for the insignificant a fascinating pastime for many.

The problem lies in the definition of the word. Trivial means of little value. Unimportant. Superficial and shallow.

Why, then, do we choose to dwell on what really doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things? Why do we argue and fight over the tiniest details that have no real meaning or lasting value? How can we get so caught up in matters that count for nothing?

I believe there are three reasons:

First, it’s the easy way out. It takes much more effort to focus on what is essential and beneficial.

Second, too many things in this crazy/busy world vie for our attention, most not worth the time we spend on them.

Third, the Enemy will do whatever he can to distract us and keep our focus away from the Lord and what He’s called and equipped us to do.

What’s the answer? Redirecting our focus and spending time with the Lord. He says, “Be still and know that I am God” (Isaiah 46:10 NKJV). The Message translation puts it this way: “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”

God wants us to be a Mary, not a Martha. To sit at His feet. To seek His wisdom by filling our minds and hearts with His Word. God instructs us to set our affection on things above, not what this world offers.

Don’t spend all your time pursuing trivial and insignificant things. Be still and listen for God’s voice. He will show you what is important and eternal.

When I noticed a new hire in my office appeared alienated and dejected, I prayed for God to bring her comfort and friendship in the workplace. As a shy introvert, I often struggled to connect with others and could certainly empathize with the feelings of isolation and rejection she presently seemed to endure.

A week or so after beginning to pray for my coworker, I read the familiar story of Jesus feeding the five thousand. When Jesus’ disciples suggested that He release the crowds so they could retrieve something to eat, Jesus, instead, told them to feed the people. Although likely overwhelmed by the task, the disciples presented what they had: five loaves of bread and two fish. After giving thanks, Jesus broke the loaves and gave the food to the disciples to distribute to the people. The massive crowd ate to their satisfaction and had twelve basketfuls of broken pieces left over.

While I had read this story many times before, Jesus’ statement to the disciples suddenly stuck out: “You feed them.” I immediately thought of my coworker. God convicted my heart with a firm command: You help her. You be her friend.

Although initially uncomfortable, I invited my coworker to lunch and deliberately tried to engage her in conversations at work. God multiplied my efforts and helped blossom a new and fruitful friendship for both of us.

Now, when I pray for others, I ask God to use me to bring those prayers to fruition. As He did with the disciples and their five loaves of bread and two fish, God will take what we have, multiply it, and use it to have a significant impact.

As the hands and feet of Christ, God will use you as a conduit of His love, grace, and peace. Be willing; the rest is up to Him.

The stars hold different significance for different people, but the star determines the path to a destination for a captain. Without a compass, the stars are the last light that leads home. Unfortunately, the stars don't last forever; dawn takes them away. The truth is that the stars don't really matter. What is important is the significance of the star before it winks out. It's a pity to focus more on the star than its purpose. And it's more of a shame for those who debate the purpose of the star without doing anything.

The three wise men came from the East. They followed a new star that portended great things. They came to worship the newly-born king. That was their belief: a new star meant a king had been born. They were not called wise because of their past but because they knew Jesus was a king and because they worshipped him.

For many people, the star means a lot of things: the Christmas season, carols, end-of-the-year parties, Christmas lights and trees. But what about the King? He is the purpose behind that star, the center of our existence, our Savior and friend. We should worship Christ, not the stars. The wise men fell down and worshipped the Christ child. Christ wants us to worship Him, to pray instead of immediately running to practitioners, to forget our achievements like the wise men, to fall before Him, to offer Him presents, and to give Him our hearts.

Don't be lost in the Christmas season. Don't be carried away by the songs, blinded by the shining lights, overwhelmed by the heights of the trees, or captivated by gifts at the malls. As you celebrate, worship the King.