A.I. Image: Young man greets the coming day during a time of reflection and prayer on God’s faithfulness.
“All the peace and favour of the world cannot calm a troubled heart; but where this peace is which Christ gives, all the trouble and disquiet of the world cannot disturb it.”— Archbishop Robert Leighton (1613-1684)
Robert lived during an age of great religious and political turmoil in Britain as the emerging Presbyterian (Puritan) factions clashed with the Church of England. This was the era of Charles I, Cromwell, and later King Charles II. He was in ministry following the English Civil Wars. Robert sought to reconcile the Scottish Covenanters and Anglican Church of England. For more explanation:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Covenanters
https://www.britannica.com/event/English-Civil-Wars
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Robert-Leighton-Scottish-minister
Multiple factions have been warring against each other. It was an era of division, war, destruction, and bitterness in relation to religious and political differences. Robert reminds us that Christ gives us a peace that present difficulties can’t disturb! What a wonderful gift: peace that endures in turbulent seasons of life!
Join me for commentary on “Are You Ever Disturbed” by Chambers.
https://utmost.org/modern-classic/are-you-ever-disturbed/
Our Times
We live in an era of unrest, societal division, and discontent. How can we experience peace and find joy during turbulent times? We rest in Christ and the reality of His Presence! Oswald Chambers ministered during World War I to British troops stationed in Egypt. He reminds us of this truth:
We can’t find peace when we’re aware until we look up to Jesus
When we awaken to the facts of life, inner peace is impossible—that is, unless we receive it from Jesus. When our Lord speaks peace, he makes peace; his words are forever Spirit and life (John 6:63).
Have I ever received the peace of Jesus? It comes from looking into his face and realizing his undisturbed calm.
Are we looking to the face of Christ or focus on the turbulent waves? Previous posts on Psalm 25, Romans 5, and Philippians 4:
A.I. Young man goes to his place of reflection and peace to enjoy the gift of a sunset.
Being outdoors and reflecting on God’s goodness is a great way to recharge and renew yourself! Consider finding a place to refresh yourself and to pray and reflect on life circumstances.
Being at Peace Amidst Difficulties
Solution: Look Up to Christ and Reflect His Peace
“Reflected peace is proof that you are all right with God, because you are at liberty to turn your mind to him. If you aren’t right with God, you can never turn your mind anywhere but on yourself. If you allow anything to hide the face of Jesus Christ from you, either you are disturbed or you have a false sense of security.” Chambers
We reflect Christ’s peace in our lives and this is evidence that we are “all right” with God. A troubled mind struggles to focus on Christ. What is our focus: the stormy waves and wind of our storms or on the radiant light of Christ’s Presence? When feeling overwhelmed, remember the times in your life when Christ was present! Recall the moments when He encouraged you and held you firm against the rising waves!
A.I. taking a moment to rest in the light of His presence.
Bring it to Him and let it rest in His presence!
Bring all your troubles and worries to Jesus; lay them out before him. In the midst of difficulty, bereavement, and sorrow, hear him say, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1). Chambers
Timothy Keller reminds us of this great truth:
“The central basis of Christian assurance is not how much our hearts are set on God, but how unshakably his heart is set on us.”
Because of His great mercy and compassion, we can be at peace and rest in Him!
A.I. Jesus orders the storm to cease.
Words of Grace & Hope 