Finding Peace in Our Places
- The Narrow Path
- Mar 10, 2023
- 2 min read
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7, NLT).
During a recent sermon at church our pastor talked about the effect that technology, specifically our phones, have had on our minds, hearts and ultimately, our walk with Jesus. At the end of the message, Jon challenged each of us to limit and leverage our phones for our good and the glory of God.
He also talked about comparison and confusion, as well as division and distraction. Each of these are tactics of the enemy to try and draw us down a path of darkness and destruction. The message got me thinking about my own life.
Am I spending too much time looking at my screen? Am I being intentional to interact with the world around me? Amidst all the distractions, where am I finding peace and rest?
While it’s true that the COVID pandemic forced all of us to slow down, most of us have returned to our frantic, fast-paced lives. Many days are scheduled down to the minute from wake-up until the moment we lay our head on the pillow at night. This can be a dangerous way to live.
I’m not suggesting we get rid of our phones, walk away from our commitments, pull our kids out of all their activities, or quit our jobs. But I do think we must be careful not to allow the chaos to keep us from making space for Jesus.
A friend texted me this picture a few days ago and I love it. The simplicity of the image spoke to my heart. This depicts a moment of intentional pause. It reflects what it looks like for her to find peace in one of her places. She loves music. It settles her heart and speaks to her soul. It is one of the places where she meets with Jesus.
It gave me pause. Where are the places I find peace? I can know the answer to this question, but if I don’t take it one step further by committing time in my schedule to meet with Jesus I will miss experiencing the peace that surpasses understanding.
Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
When we are distracted by our phones or slammed with a busy schedule, it can become easy to neglect meeting with Jesus. It doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, but I want to encourage you today to consider what your “places” might be.
An upright piano. A basketball court. The rhythmic rocking of the glider in your baby’s room. The quiet of the car on your way to work. Can you be intentional this week to seek peace in one of your places? Pause, put down your phone, and Jesus will meet you there.
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