I’ve been thinking about inner peace lately and decided to repost this. It’s been 3 years since I wrote it – – – still true. I think my thoughts started when reading Job 22. Here’s the Message translation of an exerpt from Job 22:21 & 22 “Give in to God, come to terms with him and everything will turn out just fine. Let him tell you what to do; take his words to heart. Come back to God Almighty and he’ll rebuild your life.”
As soon as the news hit the world that Whitney Houston was found dead in her hotel room, the online comments started pouring in. Most of them were expressions of sadness and complimentary of her beautiful voice, popular songs, and her influence on other female artists. But others stung with the attitude that she got what she deserved because she was on crack cocaine. When a person passes away, does it matter at that point what the underlying cause was? Whitney Houston was someone’s daughter, someone’s wife, she was a mother. Whitney was a friend and mentor to many. Yes, she had it all, she was a celebrity, her life could have been different – couldn’t anyone’s? Here’s what I think.
Whitney had everything except fulfillment. In her search for what would fill her spirit and soothe her aching heart, she gave up and gave in before she found it. I’m sure in her seeking she felt desperation when nothing she tried, filled the empty place in her heart and in her life. We are all in danger of self destructing. We get broken a little bit each day, sometimes beyond repair. Other times we put a bandaid on it and keep going. Then there are other times when we find restoration and complete healing. At those times, it’s a beautiful reconciliation with ourselves and spiritual awakening that drives us forward. We have the courage and the fortitude to go on.
The seeking and restoration is only possible when we seek after God the creator and sustainer of life itself. Matthew 5:1-12 talks about the blessings rained down on us by our Father in Heaven. When I think of those who suffer with fruitless seeking I pray that they remember the beatitudes. Verse 6 says: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. The only way to fill the deep, intense, and emptiness in our soul is to seek the Lord and let His spirit fill the empty space that is shaped like God and intended only for Him. I encourage you to go read Matthew 5. Blessed are the poor in spirit for they will be filled. Read for the pure satisfaction of knowing God is taking care of you.
Isaiah 55:6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 “ow may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.Go in confidence and let God reign in you today, give you the sense of His presence and almighty power. Be at peace in all you do.
Because of Grace we Press On