I don’t normally quote straight from a devotional book, but I could never say this message any better than Oswald Chambers – and I believe that it’s so important and timely to every one of our lives. Obedience does equal peace – and as we’re looking to the new year, I don’t know about you, but I need a lot of both!
“I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” John 14:27 (CEV)
from “My Utmost for His Highest”, by Oswald Chambers – December 14
“…As long as we try to serve two ends, ourselves and God, there is perplexity. The attitude must be one of complete reliance of God. When once we get there, there is nothing easier than living the saintly life. Difficulty comes when we want to usurp the authority of the Holy Spirit for our own ends.
Whenever you obey God, his seal is always that of peace, the witness of an unfathomable peace. Whenever peace does not come, tarry till it does, or find out the reason why it does not. If you are acting on impulse or from a sense of the heroic, the peace of Jesus will not witness…
My questions come whenever I cease to obey. When I have obeyed God, the problems never come between me and God, they come as probes to keep the mind going on with amazement at the revelation of God.
Any problem that comes between God and myself springs out of disobedience. Any problem, and there are many, that is alongside me while I obey God, increases my ecstatic delight, because I know that my Father knows, and I am going to watch and see how He unravels this thing.”
As I think about and pray about the upcoming year, goals, changes, etc. that come with a fresh new start, my deepest desire and main goal for 2009 is “immediate obedience” to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I’m learning that it is the most important thing in life!
We show Him our love by our obedience (John 14:15 “If you really love me, you will obey my commands.”). When we obey the Lord, He will lead us in every other Christian virtue and command, because He will have our hearts.
This is my prayer for myself and for my husband, children, and loved ones (you, included) as we enter 2009 – that every one of us will obey God – immediately, and without reserve, so that He’ll have full reign over our hearts, words, actions, thoughts, and lives! Only then, will we all have real peace.
I love each of you. Thank you for being a part of my life this year. May “The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).” Numbers 6:26 (Amp.)
TTYL… in 2009 🙂 Jennifer
Letters From Midlife says
I always enjoy Oswald Chambers. Thank you for sharing your heart with this post.
Tammy says
This was the main topic at our bible study last night. I love my visits here!
I've learned through obedience comes freedom.
Debbie says
I totally agree and Oswald Chambers says it so well. Obedience=peace
Thanks for sharing this today. I'm praying for you and thinking of you Jennifer.
LisaShaw says
Amen! Thank you for sharing it with us again Sweet Sister. I love you and am praying…