Day5_Reflection

DAY 5: PRAYER FOCUS

SEEKING GOD’S PEACE

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

John 14:27 (NLT)

When I woke up this morning and sat briefly on the edge of the bed, I flipped through my phone to find a song that will lift my soul. God led me to Kofi Owusu Peprah’s song - entitled ‘Search Me’, from Psalm 139: 23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting”. As I listened to it meditatively I asked myself, why am I going on this Fast? What is my motive and intention? Why bother all this people to also join me in thi Fast? It is all because I want everyone to also experience this peace of mind and heart in seeking him and enjoy what he promises in Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”.

We are told the psalm was written when the author (David) felt he was surrounded by much wickedness, godlessness, and faithlessness. One will think it is only in the country they live in that these things are experienced. Unfortunately, it is everywhere and it is perpetuated by men and women who call ourselves Christians. Since I joined the league of immigrants I have heard may painful experiences by God’s children. This has led many to grow cold and don’t even want to associate with their own countrymen. Some don’t even want to God to church because they will see these same persons there. These are some of the reasons we are not experiencing the presence and peace of God. When we wake up from our beds, we focus on how we can get more and protect what we have. We live as if there is no heaven to secure.

Anytime I go down on my knees this is one of the prayers I pray to God. When I can’t feel or sense the presence of God around me, I become very afraid and begin to ask Him questions whether my ways are right before him. I want to have that peace of mind moving about my business for each day. Jesus’ gift to us today is his peace – “peace of mind and heart”. In 2 Chronicles 14, we read that in the time of King Asa there was peace for ten (10) years. He took advantage of the peace God gave him and built the towns and put walls around them. King Asa said “because we have sought the Lord our God; we sought him and He has given us rest on every side.” (verse 7). The text continues by saying “So they built and prospered”.

Who told you when you seek God diligently and faithfully you will become poor? The fact is that you actually earn double. It’s like getting admission for a Master’s programme that gives you two internationally recognized certificates upon completion. You rather get what I call ‘physical and psychological security’ plus the peace of God. In John 16:24, Jesus said “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete”. God want to see us smiling and cheerful every day because our needs are being provided for and it will give us peace and rest.

So, beloved, seek the peace of God today, for His peace transcends everything. Let God search your heart, and give Him the chance to break you, so that his peace will rest on you. We will later discuss about being broken by God.

May His peace visit and rest on you and your household today.

Shalom.