From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

"Things will be better, as soon as I figure this out". "I'll feel relieved when this is all over". "If I just had some more money, or better health, or was married, or was not married...” On and on we cry out as to how happiness will increase if we just know why or if our circumstances would just change. As humans, we seem to have an insatiable appetite for understanding and mastery of our little slice of life. Nothing wrong with that really, but it's like a dog chasing its tail! The world is full of problems; as soon as one is remedied another one pops up like the "whack-a-mole" game at a fair. Any relief is short-lived because the next "mole" is popping up in your face. Is there any rest in the often fruitless frenzy of life?

God must be up there shaking His head at us (He's not really!) He tries to tell us that His peace is not as elusive as ours; it is not hidden or wrapped in the complicated multiplicity of the layers of our natural lives. Nope – it's right there in front of us...peace is in His presence; not in church, not in music, not in counsel, not even in prayer. All of those things are good and advancing towards His presence, but the peace you seek is only in His presence. As you look to Him, you will be keenly aware of that presence. In your pain, your loss, your confusion, try and picture where Jesus is right where you are. It may sound crazy but, even as I write this, I sense His presence beside me. That gives me great peace to know He is watching and monitoring what I write to you; and knowing His presence assures a decreased likelihood of leading anyone astray with foolish thoughts or opinions.

The truest conclusion of all this is if you want peace, stop pursuing it and pursue Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 5:1 tells you to trust in the Lord with all your heart and not to lean on your own understanding. And, if you would acknowledge Him in all your ways, He will direct your path, so that in faith in Him you will have peace with God through Christ.

Boy, talk about leading us beside still waters! What a God we serve! Endure the fire...it's producing pure gold!

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