The Encourager
“Giving God Control Over My Problems - by Mike Richardson”
GIVING GOD CONTROL OVER MY PROBLEMS
By Mike Richardson
Col.3:15- "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." In Colossians 3:15 we see a statement by the beloved Apostle Paul in regard to how one is to let the peace dwell in our hearts. Not any peace, but the peace of Christ. It is dealing with giving our problems over to God and letting the peace of Christ rule in our
hearts. When we submit to the will of God, we must allow Christ's peace to govern or rule when we normally think otherwise. This peace is extended to the body of Christ (Col.3:14).
Instead of allowing emotions of anger, covetousness, hatred run rampant we instead are to be governed by the peace of Christ with one another. Let us look at some examples from Scripture.
- BIBLE EXAMPLES
(i) Jacob - Jacob was one who often schemed and planned before praying and seeking the will of God. Just read through his life and notice how many times he used deception instead of faith to accomplish his goals. It took Jacob some time to learn to trust God and let peace into his life. We are to plan ahead, but we do so with our eyes on God and His word. There will be more peace when we do so.
(ii) David - The shepherd boy turned king often struggled, yet he was one that poured his heart out to God. When I see David falling short is the same times, we all fall short; when we look to self-first and God last.
(iii) Elijah - The prophet of God who won the great battle on Mt. Carmel against the false prophets of Baal. He struggled when he got into the wilderness. He began to ask God to take his life. God reminded him there was work still to do and many who had not bowed their knee to Baal. Many times, we do not have peace because we feel all alone. However, there are many who are struggling in life and working to keep the faith just like us. There is peace in knowing that others are going through similar struggles and holding on to their faith and finding peace in Christ.
(iv) Paul - The Apostle Paul is one who found the secret to contentment. In Philippians 4:10-12 Paul wrote, 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at
last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be
hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Notice Paul said he LEARNED to be content. It came through the process of learning.
I - PROBLEMS WE FACE: When we think of the amount of things, we are concerned over life can become overwhelming; family problems, church
problems, financial issues, concern over nation, sickness, death, etc. There are a number of things that occur at one time that can make life feel like it is tumbling in on us.
III - HOW DO WE DEAL WITH THE ISSUES OF LIFE?
From things we worry about (growing up children) to other issues like grief (loss of loved one) to problems of everyday living, just how do I deal with such issues?
Several suggestions for us to consider.
(1) Contentment is learned and is in Christ. 1 need to learn that whatever the issue I can be content because I am in Christ. That is not always easy, it is a life long lesson, but it is one that we must learn. If I can learn to praise Him in times of joy, then I know that when trouble comes, I can trust Him. I can find peace in Christ when I am at peace with Christ.
(2) Prayer; casting cares on God (I Pet.5:7). Praying daily and thanking God for the good things (Phil.4:6) will help me. Even when I am anxious filled and sorrow ridden, I still have something to thank God for.
(3) Looking forward to heaven. When I keep my eyes on the finish line it helps me remember that heaven will be worth it all. There is peace in knowing that there is nothing here that compares to the glory of heaven (Rom.8:18).
