In these days of uncertainty and the sudden upheaval of normal life how can we find peace for our souls? How can we focus on God’s blessings and positive thoughts when we are burdened down with worries? Worry directly affects our attitude, health, and relationships in negative ways. Sometimes we are tempted to stifle the feeling of being overwhelmed in harmful ways that only makes things worse. It is like trying to walk on ice without slipping and falling. Jesus understands that we can be anxious and discouraged, so He told us how to overcome. The Prince of Peace invites us to be still in His Presence. The Good Shepherd leads us by still waters. “He makes us lie down in green pastures…” Psalm 23:2 Have your every wondered why the Good Shepherd must make us lie down? He knows we can be stubborn and go our own way. Too often we want to take control and refuse to be still. Instead, we take on more and more until we are overwhelmed and exhausted. It is easy to get caught up in the doing and not learn to receive the Lord’s blessings without striving for them. We work hard to have more things and sustain the lifestyles we want, but who is paying the price for our choices? When we spread ourselves too thin, we become mediocre at everything. Studies have shown that workers who take their breaks and have a brief rest are more productive than those who work through their breaks because there is so much to do. Give your burdens to the Lord who dearly loves you, and He will take good care of you as He promised in Psalm 55:22. Don’t cling to your troubles hoping to resolve them on your own. The challenge is to take time to listen to the Lord’s voice and hear His comforting words. Just be still. Quiet the noise around you and your thoughts so you can hear the Spirit of God. Learn how to be in His Presence where there is fullness of joy. “Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act.” Psalm 37:7 Some people have not experienced the pleasure of hearing God’s voice, but Jesus said His sheep know His voice and follow Him. He promises to lead us on the right path while He works on our behalf. He will provide for you, protect you, and lead you in paths of righteousness. We can be like a small child who rests peacefully in their father’s arms. There is a beautiful place of surrender that awaits us in the arms of our Father God, Abba. It is a place of uncontainable joy and peace that is beyond what we can imagine.
