Satan will do everything possible to rob us of our joy and peace of mind. We live in what has been called the Age of Anxiety. On Saturday, June 14th, we watched the amazing celebration of the Army’s 250th year of service. Most of the liberal networks gave vast coverage to the demonstrations taking place across the nation that were supposedly “peaceful”.
Our hearts were filled with pride as we watched the military parade celebration. We felt safe and secure. The demonstrations made us feel fearful and insecure.
We all face situations that make us irritable and tense and rob us of our peace of mind. These issues can affect both our physical and mental health. One writer noted that every year, “more than 500 million dollars” worth of tranquilizers are prescribed to drop people into an emotional low gear.”
What are some of the things that set us off? It could be a disagreement with a neighbor or someone at work. We need to get together with that person and talk it out. Unresolved issues will rob us of our peace and joy. Perhaps you have a major decision to make, and you can’t make up your mind which way to go. It is upsetting and frustrating. Avoiding a decision will not give us peace of mind.
Moses is a good example of how to handle conflict and maintain peace of mind. In Hebrews 11, we have a list of people who were commended for their faith. Moses was given more coverage than anyone else. If anyone had a reason to be uptight, it was Moses. Can you imagine what it was like to lead two million bickering, complaining Jews out of Egypt and onto the promised land?
God had His hand on Moses from the time he was born until the end of his life. He was supposed to be killed when he was a baby, but in Hebrews 11:29 we read, “By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they said he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.” Then, through unusual circumstances, Moses was discovered and raised by Pharaoh’s daughter.
In Hebrews 11:24-27, we read, “Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as a greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith, he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger.”
They angered the LORD by listening to a false report about the promised land. So, He let them wander around in the wilderness for the next forty years. When the unbelieving generation died off, He let the next generation enter the land. Moses personally did not get to enter the land until the transfiguration of Jesus. He had a right to be uptight, but the Bible describes him as a meek man. Now, the word ‘meek’ does not mean ‘weak.’ Meekness is an attitude of quiet confidence, of inner tranquility and peace of mind. It comes when we rely totally on God and His word.
Only two people in the entire Bible are described as being meek — Jesus and Moses. Isaiah 53 is all about the coming Christ, and in verse 7 we read, “He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet He never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, He did not open His mouth.” Talk about peace of mind. In the past, I have complained about ingrown toenails or being in rehab. Jesus was committed to doing the Father’s will.
How was Moses able to have peace of mind? I think it was because he was a man of great principles rather than petty feelings or rules.
- In Hebrews 11:24, it is obvious he knew who he was.
- In Hebrews 11:2,6 he knew what he wanted to accomplish.
- In Hebrews 11:26, we see what he valued.
- In Hebrews 11:27, we see that Moses determined how he was going to live.
Each of us, if we want to have peace of mind, must answer those same four issues:
- Who am I?
- What do I want to accomplish with my life?
- What do I really value?
- How will I live my life?
- Will it be to please self or to please the One who loves me and gave Himself for me?
In John 14:27, Jesus said to His followers … ‘I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
I pray that each of us will experience the peace that Jesus offers us.
Trusting in Him,
Pastor Leonard
