Distress, uncertainty, unrest. This is the atmosphere that often surrounds us in this world, in this life. We’ve are looking at lasting peace as we end this month. Where do we find it? How do we achieve a lasting peace for our own souls?
Psalm 4 gave us step one, that we must cry out in our distress to the Lord. Psalm 29 gave us step two, that we must worship the Lord, seeking his face.
The third step to achieving a lasting peace is found in Psalm 85, “I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways.” [Vs8 NLT]
Crying out in distress. Worshiping the Lord. Now listening to what He says. Oh boy. I’m really good at crying out; I’m pretty good at worshiping, but listening? Listening is a bit harder.
I’m good at listening when the Lord is telling me what I want to hear, but often the message He has for my life is not what I want to hear. Often His voice to me requires change, a change of attitude, a change of heart, a change of mind that I am not willing to make.
Listening to what God the LORD will say means I must surrender, and I must obey if I want to find peace. Our own disobedience and stubbornness often cause the unrest, uncertainty, and distress in our lives. “My Way!” always brings conflict. “Not my way but Your way O God!” brings peace.
Step One: I will call to you O my righteous God, give me relief from my distress!
Step Two: I will worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness, His presence!
Step Three: I will listen to what You have to say to me, O God, I will not return to my foolish ways!
