Finding inner peace.

Peace with ourselves. We all long for that.

You know, the inner conflict we struggle with that keeps peace away. That inner tug-of-war between what self wants and what God is wanting for us. Remember how Paul described his inner turmoil in Romans 7? He wanted to do what was right, but found himself doing the opposite.

Living independently from God is the path Adam and Eve chose. We struggle with that same temptation.

In chapter 8 of Romans, Paul discovered peace by saying “no” to his former self and, by the help of the Holy Spirit, yielding to Jesus.

Could it be decision time? Is that where you are? Which way will you go? Following you or following Jesus. Jesus said that He was the way. Do you believe Him? Or are you afraid?

How to make peace real

Faith. Faith makes His way and His promises real.

When you get to the place where you don’t want to do what self wants, when you don’t want to sin, when you are tired of being led by self, trying to please self, you are close. When you are sick of yourself then you will see the only way of peace is to leave your self behind and follow Jesus. Leave your sinful ways to follow Him.

His peace can calm your troubled soul. His peace is given to us when we surrender to Him, when we resolve the conflict of who is boss. When we settle the issue by our will.

Then you will be who you were designed to be. You will be amazed at your life!

Luke 9:23 Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him. Two apparent negatives, but Oh, the last phrase – Follow Me. What a resounding positive. A whole new world opens up to the believer who will deny self, walk away from you, leaving you behind, taking up your cross as a reminder that you are dead to the old you and Follow Jesus! What a life!

Prayer, Lord Most High, give me the will power to choose to follow You. You are the source of all Life. Forgive me for hesitating to surrender to you. Amen.

Words to light your path this week

• Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit the things of the Spirit. NKJV
• Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. NKJV
• Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. NKJV
• 2 Corinthians 5:15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died form them and rose again. NKJV

Am I Carnally Minded? Oswald Chambers

What You Will Get Oswald Chambers