The Choice That Brings Peace (Philippians 4:6-7)
Have you ever stopped and felt undecided about what to do?
Have you ever made the wrong choices and felt a tightness in your heart?
Making choices is not always easy; many have difficulties, unable to decide between A or B. Sometimes, they consult someone to get their point of view and to know if they are opting for the correct choice, giving rise to a whirlwind of emotions that are not always pleasant, that disturb the mind, not to mention the consequences of a wrong choice.
It is very bad to be undecided, not knowing which path to choose, afraid of the consequences that a possible wrong choice will bring.
At least once in our lives, we have all gone through a moment of indecision like this, but the Bible teaches us that we should not be anxious about tomorrow, for everything is already prepared.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
To be afraid and to have an anxious heart can be the beginning of a wrong choice, for this demonstrates our independence from the Father, when in fact, we are completely dependent on Him. Fear and an anxious heart do not align with what Jesus wants for us.
We must understand that before any choice we must make, there is one that is fundamental to be made, because all other choices after this one will be based on this first one, which is nothing more than choosing what brings us peace.
To choose what brings peace is to choose what Jesus wants for us, so our first choice must be Jesus. We must accept him as our Lord, as our Savior. Receive him in our hearts and maintain a pure, sincere, and close relationship with Him.
John 14:27 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.
Understand, Jesus came into the world to be the martyr of peace, and it is only in Him that we will find true peace.
Having made the first choice, all subsequent ones must be based on the principle of achieving peace. Since Jesus is the one who gives us peace, we must allow Him to make the decisions for us, consulting him in prayer with every indecision before us, whether "this" or "that" is the best choice.
We do not have the power to know the future, but by consulting Jesus in prayer and entrusting everything into his hands, we have the tranquility and peace of knowing that He watches over us and takes care of the smallest details, and through Him, we will have the wisdom to face any situation.
Psalm 37:4-5 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this.
Wisdom is a gift from God, and He can give it to us in abundance if we ask for it.
In your prayers to God, ask for wisdom, calm, and patience to make your choices. Ask that He guide all your steps, and He will give the right answer to your heart.
But remember that God’s answer will not always be what we expect, but we need to accept and believe that His answer is certainly the best.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
We are children of a God who promised us care and love, who gave himself on a cross in our favor so that we might have peace. He gave us free will to choose our path, and the best path to follow is to follow Jesus and to know his will for us.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen
The Lord bless you and keep you.
Rafael Segades Lima da Silva
Worship Minister at Cristo é Paz Church
