The Delight of God's Consolations

"When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,

Your consolations delight my soul."

Psalm 94:19

God's consolations are found in His word. We can go to the Bible to find comfort and peace in times of distress. And not only comfort and peace, but delight. For when we experience the faithfulness of God to calm our anxious thoughts when we turn to Him, we rejoice in delight. "The little world within is, like the great world without full of confusion and strife; but when Jesus enters it, and whispers 'Peace be unto you,' there is a calm, yea, a rapture of bliss." (Spurgeon)

Loving Arms

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you."

1 Peter 5:6-7

It takes humility to give our worries to God. Our prideful, independent nature wants to hold tightly to at least some of our troubles, saying "You know what God? I can take care of this one myself." But Peter tells us to cast (throw) all our anxiety on God. Why? Because the Lord cares about us and He wants to be the one to lift us up, when the time is right. When we refuse to go to Him for help and comfort, it's the same as dismissing Him. Sometimes I wonder if we truly understand the heart of our Father. It must be very painful for Him to hold out His arms to us, the children He loves so much, only to watch us run the other way. 

Lasting Peace

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:6-7

This morning my husband and I walked through Endo Valley in Rocky Mountain National Park, taking photos of the beauty we surveyed. It was so peaceful there. Except for the occasional bull elk bugling in the distance or bird twittering nearby, the only sound came from water rippling through the stream. It's easy for me to feel at peace out there, in the midst of God's pristine creation. But what about when I get back home to the dusty reality of life? Terrorism, a bad economy, friends who are ill or out of work, family members with financial needs. All these things threaten my peace. But the Lord says not to be anxious about such things. Instead, take all these problems to Him in prayer, and with a thankful heart (realizing the many blessings I do have and thanking Him for them) ask Him for help with these problems. Then God's peace, which is greater than the peace I felt this morning in the Park, will quiet my heart and mind. Thank you, Father, for this reminder.