I sat on the banks of a clear, clean river. Water splashed and played along the rocks, the sound lulling and beckoning rest and relaxation. The day perfect and the moment wonderful.

All of the sudden, someone ran up, jumped in the river splashing water all over the place, and kicking their feet to stir up all sorts of mud and grime. The clean river became a mess, and my peaceful river and peaceful moment were ruined. Argh!

Who was that person?

Me.

Far too often I miss time given by God by muddying the moment with worries and anxious thoughts about the past, present, and future. Jesus said, “Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly, distressed, agitated). Believe [confidently] in God, adhere to, and rely on and trust in Him, committing to and unto, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe in, adhere to, and trust also in Me” (John 14:1, AMP & AMPC).

The Greek translation for the word “trouble” means to agitate, to cause one inward commotion, take away calmness of mind, to disquiet, make restless, to stir up, to perplex the mind, to strike one’s spirit with fear and dread.

Perhaps you’re also troubled and can identify with everything listed in those translations. I get it. Oh man, I get it. Life is full of difficulties. Yet Jesus invites us into the reality of what is possible through His peaceful presence. “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” (John 14:27, AMP). Underline added.

Jesus gives His perfect, calming, eternal peace, for every circumstance and every moment of our lives. His peace passes human understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Come to Me, Christ beckons. Let go by placing the problem, the person, the worry, the concern in the Hands of the all-powerful, loving, tender Lord. Cast your cares on Him for He cares for you. Surrender your worries, fears, and anxiety.

Fully surrender to fully receive. When surrendering all to Jesus, we get everything Jesus has to offer – mercy, grace, forgiveness, peace, eternal life, access to God the Father, His love, His joy, His eternal home.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 reminds us “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water that extends its roots by a stream, and does not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought, nor cease to yield fruit” (NASB)

When we believe and trust in the Lord, even in the hard times, we are given a fear-free, anxious-free, productive life. Jesus offers a blessed invitation for unmoving, solid, eternal peace, and hope. “You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation]. Trust [confidently] in the Lord forever [He is your fortress, your shield, your banner], for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].” (Isaiah 26:3-4, AMP).

Therefore, clear up the muddy water by letting “the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]” (Colossians 3:15, AMP).

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Photo by Lisa Buffaloe