Obedience Leads to Peace
By Rick Warren
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
If you feel overwhelmed or confused about a decision that you’re trying to make, you’re probably caught up in yourself and not listening for God’s voice. The Bible says, “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV). He is not the author of confusion. So if you’re feeling confused, guess what? It’s not God’s voice speaking in your life.
If you’re a parent, do you want your kids to feel pressured or confused when you ask them to do something? No. You want them to understand what to do and then respond in obedience. God the Father wants the same thing for and from you.
The only time pressure could be legitimate is if God has told you to do something and you keep saying “no.” Then the pressure will build. But there’s always peace when you say “yes” to what God’s asking you to do.
Satan wants to drive you compulsively, but God wants to draw you compassionately. Satan wants to take advantage of your compulsions and use them to drive your life. But God is your Good Shepherd. He wants to draw you toward himself and peace.
The late Peter Lord, a pastor I deeply respected, used to say, “Ninety percent of what God wants to say to you is encouragement.” If negative messages are all you ever hear from God, something’s wrong. The wires have been crossed.
If you feel like God has told you to do something but you’re increasingly anxious because of it, then something’s not right.
The Bible tells you, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT).
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Discover the Key to Resting in the Goodness of God
Start trusting God’s goodness in every area of life by exploring Psalm 23 with Pastor Rick’s Living in the Goodness of God Guided Bible Study.
This beautiful, interactive, book will help you . . .
• Revolutionize your life and your relationships
• Recharge your body and mind
• Create a habit of worship instead of worry
• Practice loving God and others well
• Use your time for the things that matter most
• Stop comparing and start being content
• And so much more!
We’ll send you the Living in the Goodness of God Guided Bible Study as thanks for your gift today to help share the Gospel with more people around the world through Daily Hope.
Request your copy of this one-of-a-kind spiritual growth tool today—and start resting in the goodness of God.
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
Share this