by Ashley Bumgarner
We cannot have stillness within ourselves until we truly understand the Lord and His sovereignty. He alone is trustworthy. Many are battling fear, depression, and anxiety at the cost of not trusting God.
We have turned to self-help books, meditation practices, and other various ways of the world to find inner peace. All the while, we are searing our conscience in believing lies. We have put our trust in what man has said rather than trusting the Word of God. The Word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him (Proverbs 30:5)
It is a common misunderstanding to say that because we are “Christians,” bad things don’t happen to us. This is a great deception. The truth is: We will have troubles and trials of many kinds. Why? So that we are complete and lacking nothing at the coming of our Lord (James 1:2-4) We must suffer, endure, and persevere.
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“ There is nothing in nature that matures in fruitfulness unless it endures. Everything has to go through a process of difficulty for new growth to occur.”
It is important to realize that the Lord cares for us as children. He chastens us, because He loves us (Hebrews 12:6) He allows these difficulties because He knows the fruit that will be produced from our hardships. If we can learn to trust Him and His sovereignty over all things, we will find peace within.
Take note of nature and God’s sovereign design. There is nothing in nature that matures in fruitfulness unless it endures. Everything has to go through a process of difficulty for new growth to occur.
Consider that we are blessed when we put our trust in the Lord (Jeremiah 17:7) We will be as trees planted by water, sending out our roots into the stream, never fearing the heat, nor being anxious in a season of drought, for we will never cease to bear fruit (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
Inner stillness is found when we trust the One who is trustworthy. Be still in His promises, for He is faithful. He is sovereign.
