We hear in the news about wars and rumors of wars. We see the natural disasters. We see issues that are ongoing in life. We see the result of greed, sin and un-renewed minds. However, even with all of these swirling storms, it should not affect the peace that God has given you.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Php_4:7
There is a sweet spot in God’s presence that brings peace even when it does not make sense that you can have such peace. That kind of peace only begins when we learn to truly trust God and stand upon his word. As long as we are leaning on our own strength and capabilities, there will always be some sort of turmoil.
As long as we are focused on the problems rather than on God, there will not be any peace. When we understand that Jesus Christ is Lord and everything is subject to His Name, then we can begin to realize that the issues of this present life must ultimately bow to the Name of Jesus.
As long as we are in this present life, there will always be some sort of issue swirling about. But there is a big difference between the challenges and situations of life and unnecessary drama. God wants to deliver you from unnecessary drama. Some situations and scenarios are unavoidable. Drama is avoidable.
Merriam Webster defines a drama as:
3 a: a state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces
- the drama of the past week
- dealing with some family drama
b: dramatic state, effect, or quality
- the drama of the courtroom proceedings
We are talking about things that are an unnecessary emotional drain. One of the things that was not included in that definition was the turmoil that we have caused. Let us be those that avoid causing unnecessary emotional drain in others. Uncontrolled conflicts will hinder your peace. Unnecessary strife will torment your soul. Unnecessary drama creates stress. Stress kills.
There are also some people in life that seem to enjoy drama. Either through ignorance or for sport, they seem to continually stir it up. The character Pig Pen from the comic series Charlie Brown comes to mind. He is drawn with a dirt cloud around him at all times. This can also be the cloud of turmoil that some people carry around with them at all times. Sometimes, the unnecessary strife and turmoil is stirred up by rumors and lies or by direct actions. Sometimes, the continual disruptions and disturbing behavior are learned and/or the result of childhood emotional wounds. Regardless of the source or techniques used, we must learn to recognize drama in all its forms. Learn to avoid the people that stir up strife. Learn to avoid the people that have drama as their lifestyle.
Our goal as Christians should be to avoid the unnecessary traumatic portions of life and follow after peace. We must proactively consider ways to cut down on any unnecessary agitation in our lives. We must learn to find peace whenever and wherever it is possible. Through prayer, through study of the Word, and asking God for His Wisdom and Guidance, we can begin to lead more peaceful lives.
We must take an excruciatingly honest look at ourselves. In doing so, a question that we must stop and consider… How much of the unnecessary turmoil of life have I caused? What percentage is caused by other people and what percentage has been caused by me?
If you have caused it, simply ask the Lord to forgive you. Ask him to heal you and restore you. Ask him to set things right again. He is able to heal, deliver and restore you. Consider this, if we learn to cut out the agitation that we cause then that alone will immediately cut down 50% of the drama!
Learning to avoid unnecessary strife and arguments in life is not only wise in general but it is something that we can proactively do to prolong our lives.
Due to the nature of this world, we will not always be able to avoid conflict. And when we are in conflict, we definitely need God’s wisdom and grace. We need to know that he covers us with his love and his divine protection. The true test of our character, is how will we adhere to the principles of the word of God when we find ourselves in turmoil. Do we continue to pursue after the will of God or do we pursue unnecessary conflict? Do all of His teaching and principles go out of the window when we hit a bump in the road? Regardless of whatever conflicts, drama or the issues of life, we must always get back on the road towards peace immediately.
We must remain focused on staying in the ‘Peace That Passes All Understanding.’
Take a look at this Scripture in the amplified version of the Bible:
“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – Php 4:6, 7 AMPC
For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].”
– Php 4:8 AMPC
The key here is focus. Focus on the Lord, His Love and His Word. Let us discipline ourselves to focus on the things that are truly important. Anything else is a waste of time and a distraction.
Anything else is just drama.
-Selah
May God Grace Abundantly Reign In Your Life!
-Apostle Ric & Prophetess Kathy Steele
Ric Steele Ministries 