New Wineskins 11 of 21 – Experiencing the Peace of Christ

Pray that the Holy Spirit give you the peace of Christ today:

The lessons of Christ, setting forth meekness and humility and love as essential to growth in grace and a fitness for His work, were of the highest value to John. He treasured every lesson and constantly sought to bring his life into harmony with the divine pattern. John had begun to discern the glory of Christ—not the worldly pomp and power for which he had been taught to hope, but “the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14.

God calls upon you to yield pride and stubbornness, and to let His peace rule in your hearts. Carry Christ’s meekness with you in all your labor. By putting on the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, ninety-nine out of a hundred of the troubles which so terribly embitter life might be saved. As the cloud of witnesses look upon a man reflecting the image of Christ, they will realize that he is surrounded by a pleasant atmosphere. The world will see that amid storms of abuse he stands unmoved, like the lofty cedar. That man is one of God’s heroes. He has overcome himself.

(Adapted from 4T 348 and AA 544).

Dear Heavenly Father, 

To be your hero! To overcome myself!  My heart cry is: Down with my pride and selfishness!

Yet, I know it takes little to trigger an internal “self” response when something doesn’t’ go my way, when I feel crossed, I’m cut off in traffic, or someone is rude.  Even a simple piece of advice can prompt a don’t-tell-me-what-to-do knot of attitude in my gut.  Lord, this anxious, restless heart of mine is because my “self” is seeking the highest place, and I, really, don’t trust myself with You.

It amazes me that You, Jesus, though perfect in all Your ways, were “never elated by applause, nor dejected by censure or disappointment,” even amid the greatest opposition and the most cruel treatment.  You humbled Yourself, and as in Your heart “reigned perfect harmony with God, there was perfect peace.”

You promise me that if I take You at Your word and surrender my soul to Your keeping, my life to Your ordering, I will find peace and quietude. Nothing of the world could make me sad, irritated, annoyed, or despondent when You make me glad by Your presence.  So, God, right now, I want to make a complete surrender of this restless “self” to You. I want to have the mind of Jesus Christ, the mind that led Him to humble Himself that I might be saved.  Swallow up my will in Yours.  I desire to humbly sit at Your feet and learn of You today.  And because my mind is stayed on You, totally trusting You, give me that perfect peace.  May Your presence go with me and give me rest.

I’m trying to visualize what is must have been like to be in Your physical presence.  Even those most hurting and agitated must have sensed that peace in the atmosphere where You walked, and that is why so many of the suffering came to You.  How was that peace sensed?  I imagine it like walking into a house of prayer, like the lap children are drawn to, the hug of reconciliation, the gentle lapping of waves on the shore, the wisp of perfume that turns the head.  It was like a gentle rub on the back, a soft voice singing a lullaby, a lone walk on the forest trail on a cool morning, a rocking chair on the front porch, and candlelight in the window on a starless night.

Give me a drop from Your fountain, a whisper of Your ways, dear Lord.  I want a heart that rests in your gentle presence, away from the life I make stressful, in a place where my pride and selfishness can no longer exist. I want Your peace to shine through me to all those around me today!

Lord, You will establish peace for me. For You have also done all my works in me.  O Lord my God, masters besides You have had dominion over me: But…they are dead, they will not live… and You are glorified!”  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

As you read Isaiah 26, ask God to lay your “lofty city to the dust” so you can experience true peace today.

Take time to read “The Invitation” (DA, ch. 34, p. 328)  before you go to sleep tonight–you will be blessed!

DA 330-1; Phil 2:5; Ex. 33:14; Is. 26:3,12-15.