Bible Society of South Africa
Benescke Janse van Rensburg

A new start – Day 1

A new start … with peace in your heart

Bible text(s)

6Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. 7And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7GNBOpen in Bible reader

Have you ever found yourself on the road during an important Saturday afternoon rugby match? At such times, we follow the match closely via the radio commentator. Suppose now, as the exciting game ends, you suddenly hear “Gggggg!” There is a signal breakdown because you are driving through a rocky area. Frustrating, isn’t it? Especially if the radio signal only recovers after the game is over and you have missed the final score!

The peace and harmony in our lives can be compared to the radio signal. Sometimes we experience tranquillity and peace in our hearts, while we can clearly discern the voice of the Holy Spirit in our lives. However, at other times, we allow fear to grab hold of our minds or we start to worry about a situation that is out of our control. Before we know it, we have lost the peace in our lives and we struggle to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit – the same way we experience a signal breakage when driving through a rocky area.

The enemy’s goal is to steal our peace. Why? Because he knows that without peace, we struggle to make decisions, we are more easily irritated and with our sour attitude, we push people away instead of drawing them closer and demonstrating God’s love to them.

How does the enemy steal our peace? He places a slow driver in front of you in traffic and you lose your temper. He convinces you that your colleagues are gossiping about you (while you are already struggling with rejection) or he makes you stress about your child’s safety. The enemy’s goal is to break down the harmony and peace in your life, as he knows it will disturb your relationship with the Holy Spirit.

How do you restore the peace in your life? The easiest is to follow Paul’s advice in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Are you currently experiencing peace in your heart or are you sitting with an uncomfortable feeling of fear and worry inside of you? Why don’t you confess your sins and ask God to help you regain your focus and peace. Remember, it is only God who can give you peace that transcends all understanding. God bless.

Bible Society of South Africav.4.21.9
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