How to Combat the stealing of one's Spiritual Peace
Finding peace
I swear, with my hand to God, that every time it’s time for me to do a sermon, the Devil does his darnedest to interfere. Does he deem my messages so important that he has to bother me? Let me tell you what happened the last time I did a sermon.
A few months ago I was slated to do the sermon on one particular Sunday. Thankfully I write my sermon a week before; reflecting and editing it during the week. The Friday before the Sunday I was to preach I was in a car accident, which was my fault. A thousand things on my mind and not paying attention I had thought a car had gone in front of me and I stepped on the gas, crunch. But I made it through that sermon with the Lord's help.
Now it is coming up to my annual stewardship sermon and I am in a huge spiritual turmoil which involves my friends, of all people. I am an Elder and we have been presented with a problem by one of my friends. It involves another one of my friends so I prayed to remain unbaised – and luckily one of the other elders was going to talk to the one individual. Unfortunately, I received a message from the one person, asking my opinion of the situation – I knew the only answer was to agree, but I couldn’t so I just said what I thought - which was, of course, the wrong answer. The situation left me with a terrible headache and tons of stress. Today I had an epiphany of sorts. I need to write my sermon for next week. Interference again. Hmmmm. So how does one deal with this spiritual interference? Here are a few of my favorite ways.
1) Pray Pray, Pray, Pray. Regularly throughout the day, stop, drop & pray. Okay maybe I don't drop (bad knees). But whenever I get a chance praying is a great way of just giving the problem to God. Working out with God's help sometimes is the only way we can get through a crisis or problem. You can always reach God, He is always there, His number is never busy. Pray
2) Read the Bible I like to either have scriptures on a particuliar subject or I open the Bible randomly - either way - it helps.
3) Read an Uplifting Book - My favorite books are Joyce Meyer ones and there are several really good ones. But even those little books, you know, the ones that you get as gifts with little thoughts in them, they are perfect for a quick pick me up.
4) Music I find peace in music - either listening or singing. Make a playlist of music that will get you back to that peaceful place.
I am sure there are many ways to find peace, to fight the spiritual warfare that sometimes goes on in our lives. These are just a few.
May you find the peace that passes all understanding - Amen
Scriptures on Peace
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light. Matthew 11:28-30
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
