Reflections from Life – Part 3 
By Mike Rule 

We are still camping in the woods as I write this. In the last two articles, (Reflections from Life Part 1 and Part 2) I have talked about having a lot of emotions without telling you what they are. I am going to be totally honest: I have felt hopeless, helpless, resentful, fearful, terrified, depressed, bitter, vindictive, outright angry, and rebellious…the list is almost endless. This is not saying that I have not had peace through all these emotions. Feelings come like waves and Jesus is like a surfboard. I can fight the waves, or climb up onto Him, allowing the emotions to take me somewhere. I ultimately want to land at the feet of Jesus. Let me explain. When I feel hopeless, the feeling directs me to my source of hope. When I feel helpless, this emotion takes me to the One from whom my help comes. When I feel resentful, this feeling reminds me that resentment is not in line with the character of the One who is my life – Jesus! (Colossians 3:4) I am thankful that the peace of God passes all understanding, and that it can rule our hearts in spite of what we feel. God has been very gracious to affirm His peace in the midst of so many negative emotions.

This became very real to me yesterday when I began to make attempts to fix our financial situation. I had a plan and was moving on it, yet deep in my spirit I sensed uneasiness. I clearly heard that I was free to move in any direction I wanted to, but it would not be His best. It was reminiscent of Abraham’s decision to listen to Sarah and accept Hagar as a way to fulfill God’s promise. I do not want a financial Ishmael in my life to plague my family, my wife, our future, or me. I was thankful for God’s faithfulness in removing my peace when I was going to invite in a way that was against His way.

What is there in your life today that threatens to steal your peace? Are you giving in to your emotions instead of choosing that which is the Truth? (John 14:6)

Passages for Reflection: Philippians 4:7 "…and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (See Philippians 4:4-8) Also Colossians 3:15: "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." (See Colossians 3:12-17)

As Colossians 3:12-17 tells us, we have the indwelling life of Christ as God’s children. By turning to Jesus in the midst of our emotional turmoil we open the door to His mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering in spite of our emotional condition. As a result we are more patient and understanding with each other (and with ourselves) and we are willing to forgive. Above all, opening the door to His love--in spite of what we feel--results in deeper intimacy with Him and with one another. This is our very nature in Christ (Romans 8:9) because this is characteristic of His life. It’s not a burden to act according to our true nature (1 John 5:1-5). Yet the choice is not to choose to "do" all these things; the only choice is to choose Jesus –and all these things will be added unto you! (Matthew 6:33)

(Continued in "Reflections from Life - Part 4")