Inner Peace
Inner Peace8
Burdens, and What to Do With Them
By F.B. Meyer0NEH 13:19PSA 55:22PRO 16:3ISA 41:10JER 17:24MAT 11:28JHN 14:27ROM 8:28PHP 4:71PE 5:7F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of inner rest and the true meaning of Sabbath-keeping, which transcends the literal observance of a day. He explains that burdens, whether from worries or cares, disrupt our spiritual peace and hinder our relationship with God. Meyer encourages believers to cast their burdens upon the Lord, trusting Him to manage their concerns and provide peace. He contrasts the burdens we create for ourselves with the divine care that God offers, urging us to rely on His strength rather than our own. Ultimately, true Sabbath rest is found in surrendering our worries to God and experiencing His unbroken peace.
Heart Rest
By F.B. Meyer0GEN 2:3MAT 11:28F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound concept of 'Heart Rest' in his sermon, illustrating that true rest is not merely the absence of work but a deep, serene peace found in God. He draws from Genesis to highlight that God's rest is eternal and accessible to all who seek it, encouraging believers to embrace this rest amidst life's trials. Meyer contrasts the initial rest given through Christ's sacrifice with a deeper, ongoing rest that many Christians overlook, urging them to actively seek this peace. He reassures that this rest is available to those who are weary and burdened, inviting them to take on His yoke for true tranquility. Ultimately, Meyer aims to guide his listeners into a state of heart rest that transcends external circumstances.
What Story Does Your Face Tell?
By David Wilkerson0PSA 42:11PSA 43:5PRO 21:29ACT 6:151PE 5:7David Wilkerson emphasizes that our facial expressions serve as a reflection of our inner state, declaring that our countenance reveals the joy or turmoil within us. He highlights how the presence of Christ in our hearts should positively influence our demeanor, contrasting the peace of a believer with the stress and worry that can harden one's face. Wilkerson encourages Christians to be mindful of the messages their faces convey to the world, as they can either reflect the love of God or the weight of sin and anger. He cites examples from scripture, including King David and Stephen, to illustrate how a transformed heart leads to a radiant countenance. Ultimately, he reassures believers of God's unconditional love and care, which should uplift their spirits and expressions.
Dealing With the Roots of Fretfulness
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 37:1PHP 4:6A.W. Tozer addresses the issue of fretfulness in the Christian life, emphasizing the admonition from Psalms 37:1 to avoid irritation and envy towards those who do wrong. He explains that the term 'fret' encompasses a range of negative emotions that can gnaw at our peace and joy. Tozer highlights that while the grace of God can calm our agitation, the deeper roots of fretfulness may still linger within us, manifesting in various forms. He encourages believers to seek the Holy Spirit's help in identifying and uprooting these hidden sources of distress. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a deeper examination of our hearts to fully experience God's peace.
I Will Fear No Evil: For Thou Art With Me
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 23:4PHP 4:11C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound independence and inner joy that the Holy Spirit provides to Christians, regardless of external circumstances. He illustrates that even in the face of death and suffering, the music of a believer's heart can become sweeter and more heavenly. Spurgeon encourages believers to trust in the Spirit's power to bring comfort and contentment, even in poverty or physical decline, suggesting that true happiness comes from within and is not dependent on worldly conditions. He reassures that Jesus will be a source of light and joy, transforming trials into opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper faith.
Experiencing God Despite the Distractions
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 46:10MAT 11:28A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of maintaining inward stillness amidst life's distractions, asserting that while distractions are inevitable, they can be managed through a deep connection with God. He highlights examples of Christians who, despite heavy burdens, found peace in their relationship with the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual writings. Tozer warns against unnecessary distractions that can lead to spiritual turmoil, likening the heart to a garden that requires diligent care to flourish. He reminds listeners that true spiritual growth comes from adhering to divine principles and nurturing one's inner life.
Overcome Distractions
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 46:10PSA 119:15MAT 6:6JHN 14:27ROM 12:2GAL 5:16PHP 4:8COL 3:21TH 5:17JAS 4:8A.W. Tozer emphasizes the detrimental impact of distractions on our devotion to God, noting that they shift our focus from the kingdom of God to worldly concerns. He argues that in our modern, science-driven society, distractions have multiplied, making it essential to combat them through prayer, meditation, and nurturing our inner spiritual life. Tozer encourages believers to cultivate simplicity, desire fewer material possessions, and immerse themselves in God's Word to maintain peace amidst chaos. He reminds us that true peace comes from God, as Jesus promised, and that overcoming distractions is crucial for spiritual growth.
Pictures in the Heart
By J.R. Miller0PRO 4:23MAT 6:22J.R. Miller emphasizes that our hearts shape our perception of the world, using the example of Niebuhr, who, despite his blindness, found joy in the memories of beautiful landscapes stored in his heart. He illustrates how individuals perceive their surroundings based on their inner life; those with a cheerful heart see beauty everywhere, while those with a somber heart find gloom even in lovely scenes. Miller encourages us to recognize the blessings in our lives and to appreciate the beauty around us before it is too late, as often we fail to see the worth in our experiences and relationships until they are gone. Ultimately, he asserts that true happiness and contentment come from cultivating a positive spirit within ourselves, which will reflect in our external world.