Sitting In A Puddle

To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Romans 8:6

When we’re disappointed or distraught—whether about health or money or prodigal children or whatever—we need a biblical plan for recovering God’s peace. Perhaps you’re separated from someone you love, and the loneliness is intense. Or maybe you’re worried about a situation at work. No matter what the source of our distress, we need the peace of God that exceeds understanding.

Perhaps one of the following practices can help.

Try underlining Bible verses. Sit down with a cup of tea and search the Scriptures, looking for verses to underline and memorize.

Try journaling. Write out your feelings, but also jot down the verses God gives you. You can also compose written prayers as the psalm writers did long ago.

Try reading. Find an inspirational book. Whether it is an old classic like Pilgrim’s Progress or something just off the press, read it with a highlighter in hand.

Try exercise. Even something as simple as walking around the block can clear your mind. Whatever you do, don’t fall into self-pity. Sitting around in a puddle of worry isn’t good for anyone. Whatever ailment we face, the Word of God is the medicine, and the peace of God is the cure.

If Christ’s lordship does not disrupt our own lordship, then the reality of our conversion must be questioned.

CHARLES COLSON