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On September 11, 2019, many observed the 18th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Towers by diabolical terrorists. Everyone, at least above a certain age, would remember where they were 18 years ago at this time.
I remember where I was. Our first child, Nicholas, was barely two
months old, and we were on a week-long break vacationing at our parents’ home
in Sarnia, a city in Ontario that borders with the United States.
That day the world changed in so many ways.
A major facet of this was a realization of the false notion of abiding
peace. The fear and anxiety of the
unknown besought so many in the western world.
Churches were full for weeks on end following the attacks. All because humanity recognized the fragility
of peace, and the devastation that comes without it.
When the prophet Isaiah prophesied the
birth of a messiah, one of his significant titles was Prince of Peace. Jesus is the true harbinger of peace, and
with him is the surest guarantee of peace that can abide.
But this peace comes only from surrendering
our lives to him. This starts by putting
your faith in Christ, as your saviour, and believing that his death on the
cross was a sufficient sacrifice for your sins.
If you do, God promises peace to come and reside with you. This peace is a truce with God and us. We are no longer in the cross hairs of his
wrathful judgment. Therefore, since we
have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)
True peace starts with faith and trust in God, but it goes deeper, where we can have peace in our souls.
In pastoring for 20 years now, I have encountered many Christians who do not have peace deep within them. Anxiety, resentment, bitterness, worry, and ambition become normative in their lives. I ache for my brothers and sisters who desire peace of mind and heart. Jesus shows his compassion for humanity when he beckons those of us who are without peace in our soul to seek him for abiding peace.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:28-29
Rest for your soul is interchangeable with
peace in your mind, your emotions and within the entire self. Are you struggling as a child of God with lack
of peace? Then come to Jesus. But don’t have preconceived notions of how it’s
going to work. Give up control.
Surrender to him…in your expectations, your relationships, your motivations,
and so forth. He will also most likely
call you to journey with other believers, a friend, a mentor, or a spiritual
leader to help along the journey. Don’t
resist. Let him have his full way in
you, to see that peace to completion.
– Pastor Olu Jegede