I had an aha moment today. About the battle between the Spirit and the flesh. In my life specifically, with control.
My flesh wants to control attitudes and actions and circumstances around me in order to maintain peace. I am attempting to create my own peace. I am trusting in my ability to make this happen.
Walking according to the Spirit means paying attention to MY actions and attitudes and allowing God – Yahweh Shalom – the Lord is peace, to bring peace to my life regardless of outside circumstances or other people’s attitudes or actions.
My flesh rises up and says, but sometimes you have to confront people for their sin. True, but when it’s done according to the flesh it is control. Trying to get MY way.
When it is done according to the Spirit it is coming from a place of peace and allows God control because my peace does not depend on the other person’s actions. Because God is my peace.
God does not ask us to take care of the other person’s actions in order to be at peace, only our own. This tastes like freedom to me, because I am no longer in bondage to what another person thinks, says or does.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 (NIV)
Yahweh-the Lord is Peace, By your Spirit, enable me to turn over the control of outside circumstances and other’s thoughts and actions to you. Help me walk this out in my life every day. Hold me in your peace. Amen.
How have you seen the evidence of Yahweh Shalom, The Lord is Peace in your life?
photo credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net //Evgeni Dinev
Oh the peace that comes with giving God total control. Enjoyed your blog, Angela. You have a gentle, anointed way of driving home the point.