Disturbance: an interruption of a settled and peaceful condition
I don't know about you, but there are many things in life that create disturbances. And often, the "things" that create disturbances are not inanimate objects, but real living breathing people. It might be a neighbor, a boss, a child, a friend, or even a spouse. After all, we are sinful people rubbing shoulders with other sinful people on a daily, even hourly, basis and the result is often...yep, disturbances. In my flesh, those disturbances often result in frustration, impatience, irritation, anger, rants, grumbling, complaining, and even bitterness. Yikes!
Tranquil: free from disturbance
But, if I am walking in the Spirit, those disturbances can actually yield the fruit of tranquility, quietness of heart, and godliness. I'm not kidding! Read it for yourself:
"First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." I Timothy 2:1-2
How can I be tranquil - free from disturbance - in a world that is full of disturbances?
Petitions and prayers.
Petitions and prayers full of intercession and thanksgiving.
Petitions and prayers full of intercession and thanksgiving for EVERYONE.
Even the lady who just cut you off and almost caused an accident. Maybe she just received bad news and is rushing to the hospital. Or maybe she's foolishly on her phone, not paying attention...something that could get herself and others killed and permanently separated from Christ forever. Pray.
Even for the neighbor who yells at your kids when they play outside, though his kids are free to roam and play wherever. He has a soul. Pray.
Even for Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. There is no heart too hard or corrupt that the Maker of all hearts cannot reach down and soften, redeem, and restore through the blood of Jesus. Pray.
Even for that boss who is demeaning and arrogant and seems to deserve all the back-biting and gossip that is spread about him. He needs to know the Master so he can learn what it means to lead through serving. Pray.
As you lift these people up to the Lord in prayer, as you come before the only One who can save hearts and the only One who can sanctify those hearts...all the frustration, irritation, anger and complaining, that can so easily consume you, lifts as well. Because, through those prayers, you have left the disturbances you face in the mighty hands of God, thankful for the privilege of having open access to the Sovereign of the universe. Your eyes are off the disturbance and fixed on the Deliverer!
And without sitting under one palm tree, soaking up one ray of sun, or sipping on one coconut...your heart is tranquil once again...rejoicing under the shadow of His wings, basking in the work of the Son, and drinking deeply from rivers of living water.
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