9 In that day they will say,
“Surely this is our God;we trusted in him, and he saved us.
This is the Lord, we trusted in him;
let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.
Isaiah 25:9 (NIV)
Lay aside this ardor of mind, which exhausts your body, and leads you to commit errors. Accustom yourself gradually to carry prayer into all your daily occupations. Speak, move, work, in peace, as if you were in prayer, as indeed you ought to be. Do everything without excitement, by the spirit of grace. As soon as you perceive your natural impetuosity gliding in, retire quietly within, where is the kingdom of God. Listen to the leadings of grace, then say and do nothing but what the Holy Spirit shall put in your heart. You will find that you will become more tranquil, that your words will be fewer and more effectual, and that, with less effort, you will accomplish more good.
Francois De La Mothe Fenelon
Throughout the Bible God instructs His children to be calm. Quiet. Peaceful. Watchful. Still.
We are led beside still waters- Psalm 23.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 reminds the reader that God will give Christians His peace in all situations.
Phililppians 4:7 speaks of a peace the "transcends all understanding".
Christ leaves His disciples with the gift of peace, His peace. John 14:27
Why then does that peace so often seem fleeting at best, and many times nonexistent? Anger. Worry. Insecurities. Regret. Those are easy to come by. Self-doubt. Pride. No shortage of these.
I think the secret lies in the highlighted sentence from Felelon's passage. "Retire quietly within, where is the kingdom of God." As New Testament Christians, we don't have seek out a priest, pastor, or holy man. The kingdom of God is within. It resides in us! No Ark of the Covenant needed. No Holy of Holys necessary.
When the world gets too big (and it will- for most of us multiple times a day), retire to the kingdom of God. Enter into His presence. Kneel at the feet of the Creator of All. Touch the hem of the Alpha and Omega.
You can meet El Shaddai at your desk. In your car. At the lunch table. He resides within. Go to Him for strength, comfort, guidance, and peace. He will quiet your raging mind. He will slow your racing heartbeat. He will calm your butterfly-filled stomach.
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