Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: PEACE (12/02/21)
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TITLE: Abide In Him | Previous Challenge Entry
By Art Fahy
12/09/21 -
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Some of my days are like this storm. I get overwhelmed. No matter which way I turn it seems the wrong way. I throw my hands in the air. When life becomes to much for me, I mentally run away. I want to give up.
STOP. I say to myself. I visualize a large stop sign in front of me. Closing my eyes, I take a few deep breaths. Almost immediately I blurt out, “That’s not working.” Dwelling on my circumstances the storm becomes more severe. “I don’t want to do anything.” I scream pounding on my desk, “I have to do something.” I turn on the television and tune into a show with a person addicted to drugs, who was arrested for chocking his mother, and chasing his father around the living room with a hatchet. I shake my head and turn off the TV. Life can throw a lot of punches at us in a twenty-four hour period.
Plopping down at my desk, I glance out the window and see two doe about fifteen feet from my condo. One is eating and the other stares at me. We lock eyes holding fast for about eight seconds. The doe gives in and starts feeding on the vegetation. They know they are safe. A feeling of calmness floats through my body. I know it is only temporary but I am enjoying it. I want to grow this calmness into peace.
Peace is popular and people desire it. Many people seeking peace are not finding it, because they don’t know what it is. Many believe peace is the absence of war. Their belief leans toward the thought that war is the opposite of peace. If we are not in war then we have peace.
Shalom the Hebrew word for peace goes deeper in its meaning. It encompasses wholeness, completeness, welfare, and fullness. When the wolves are chomping at our feet, God will be there for us, just as he will be when we are enjoying success. God does not remove us from trouble. He gives us the peace we need to overcome it. Philippians 4:7 NIV And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
What causes unrest in our lives? You can name many circumstances that make us anxious. For some people it is finances. Others find themselves in unhealthy relationships. In our world today, it is opioid addiction. The list goes on and on. People put their trust in finances, relationships, and jobs. These can be gone in a flash. They are temporary.
Separation from God is the main reason for our unrest in life. We are under attack daily. We are in a spiritual war. When I feel myself sinking in stormy waters like Peter, I do what he did, I call out for Jesus to help me. Just as he helped Peter he helps me. Jesus fights the battle and my part is to trust Him.
The Lord gave us a powerful tool. A tool that can make us or break us. That tool is our mind. Our thoughts will either lift us up or tear us down. People say they are depressed. Most of the time they are living in the past. Others claim to be anxious. They are living in the future. Most people when thinking in the future are projecting unhealthy thoughts upon themselves. Living in the here and now can lead to peace.
Peace is oneness with God. True peace that last forever can only come from Jesus. Jesus is the uniter. Paul wrote in Galatians 3:28 NIV There is neither Jew or Gentile, neither slave or free, nor is there male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
We are either walking into a storm, or are currently in a storm, or walking out of a storm. No matter the circumstances we can find comfort in Jesus’ words found in John 16:33 NIV “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
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Would this classify as nonfiction? As it's genre?
Only consideration would be focus ...you have about 3 strong directions/subjects. 1.Mind/ peace, 2.closeness to God/ peace, 3. and unity in Christ.