Articles
The Path of Peace
Jalāl ad-Dīn Muḥammad Balkhī (otherwise known as Rumi) is an Islamic poet from 13th century Persia who wrote, “I once had a thousand desires. But in my one desire to know you all else melted away.” Mankind pushes to move at a rapid pace. Thus, people can feel like their hearts and minds are being pulled in a thousand different directions, when truly all we desire is one.
Sin will try to distract us and take us in many different directions in life. It will try to tempt using persuasive arguments and by tantalizing us with momentary rewards or desires. Proverbs 6:27-28 compares sinning to playing with fire. Even it if doesn’t seem like it now, playing with fire will eventually hurt. Have you ever met a person who has not been burned, or scalded due to heat at least once in their life? Mankind can boast that fire has been mastered, but that is as erroneous as trying to conquer sin without God.
Life in a society that is focused on independence is lived as if the very fabric of our circumstances rests in our hands. The more control seems to be slipping away from us is when anxiety and worry start building up. These emotions can be expressed when there are changes in our lives. Paul writes in Romans 8:37-39 that nothing can separate us from the love of God. It can be tempting to worry about the future and trying to control it. As God’s children we need to take comfort in remembering that He is the only one in control.
Philippians 4:4-5 tells us that we are not alone, nor do we need to feel alone. The creator of Heaven and the Earth is always with us and can be leaned on for strength. Circumstances can change but we have the opportunity to be anchored to the King whose support never changes. A person can spend her or his life dwelling on limitations and focusing on an unending list of negatives. However, God gives His children a way of escape, because Philippians 4:7-9 that God can grant us the peace of mind to live content and thankful lives. With God, the positives are everlasting because obedience to Him leads to an eternal life. Jesus sacrificed Himself upon the cross so we can conquer sin by turning to God. Darkness and God cannot coexist. The only way to no longer walk in darkness is by accepting the light that is God and turning to Him in repentance. Only one path can grant us the peace that the poet Rumi mentions above. Will you walk that path?
