John 14:26–27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
“Discipleship means discipline!” – C S Lewis.
Panic is a natural reaction to adversity but peace is a disciplined response to disappointment. It is estimated that about 1/3rd of the population suffers from anxiety disorder. In order to overcome anxiety our mind must be trained to cultivate a peaceful and positive mindset. A disciple is disciplined to pray about everything. When the disciple believes that his/her Master has the answer to his/her problem, there is no room for anxiety. Peace is a disciplined mindset, rooted in the faith that King Jesus is greater than any problem one may face.
Jesus imparted peace to His disciples before He left the earth. His disciples inherit the peace that surpasses human understanding. We, His disciples, can enjoy perfect peace when the world is troubled and in turpitude. You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you (Isaiah 26:3). Trust is the key that unlocks peace. The training school to inherit peace is our prayer closet. Take all your problems big or small to the Lord in prayer. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6). Don’t panic about your finances or your future; pray. The worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful (Mark 4:19). Worrying about money or mortgage or about wealth/fame or other worldly needs will steal peace or crush our joy. If we are a chronic worrier, we are not His disciples.
Disciples are warriors, not worriers. A disciple is disciplined to remain in perfect peace at all times.
Discipleship means discipline:
1. Pray: The discipline to pray about everything will train our turbulent minds to be in peace always. “Why worry when you can pray?” When the dark qualm of worry creeps into your heart, find a corner to connect with the Lord. Take it to Him, seek His wisdom and leave the burden with Him.
2. Promises: Worry is injurious to health. We add more problems by worrying about the problem. Worry is negative meditation. Meditate on the promises of God rather than ruminating on the problem.
3. Profess: A disciple will profess God’s power and not their own limitations. Those who are self-absorbed are not obsessed with the power of the Almighty God. A disciple would be completely consumed by the faith and will have no room for fear.
The disciples are disciplined to remain in perfect peace if they train themselves to be in a mode of prayer.
There will be no time of panic if we learn to pray about everything.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, discipline my mind to remain in perfect peace by praying without ceasing about all my challenges. Teach me to turn negative meditation of panic into prayer and help me to be a warrior, not a worrier. Amen.
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