Settle Your Heart

By: Rhonda Beasley
Edited by: Summer Neal

There was a time in my life I felt like a gypsy roaming about, trying to find happiness.

I was trying to figure out how to do things my way, even after serving the Lord for many years (from the time I was 17 until I was about age 38).

After I went through a couple of marriages, I thought maybe I could just talk myself into a better way. Maybe I could change some things up.

I tried to forget about the old ways and all those bible verses that showed me how to live for God. I tried to forget about holiness.

Yeah, that didn’t work out the way I thought it would. The more I “kicked against it,” like the bible says, the worse it got.

I found true freedom when I settled all of that in my heart. When I truly came to know what the bible says and that it’s all for my good!

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon Him, for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” - 1 Peter 5:6-10

I often think of Peter and how many times he felt like he failed the Lord, especially when he denied the Lord three times.

I imagine he thought at the time, “I’ll never fail Him,” “I’ll never fall.” Yeah right!

We have to remember that when he denied the Lord, he and the other apostles were perhaps in hiding, trying to avoid the cross themselves.

Maybe Peter couldn’t imagine ever being the “rock” Jesus spoke of. The rock on which God would build His church!

However, when Peter denied the Lord, he knew it was now or never. Turn from God in shame like Judas did or humble himself to God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness.

I’m sure glad he chose the latter!

I believe these scriptures Peter wrote were about how he overcame. How being humble helped him learn how God cared for him.

Peter learned through many trials how to be sober and vigilant because he knew how the devil worked.

Peter knew the devil’s tactics. Peter knew Satan walks around seeking whom he may devour.  Is it any different now? NO!

In verse 10 we see that after the suffering and Peter’s overwhelming need for grace, he realized could be made perfect through Jesus Christ. Peter realized he could be established, strengthened, and SETTLED!

No matter how old you are I’m sure you have been through trials and tribulations. Some not of your own making but some you have created.  Thankfully, God is merciful and graceful to help us and settle us.

Remember the sun shines on the just and the unjust!  If Peter could become settled, why can’t we?

God's word gives us power and hope for the future.

When I finally gave my life to God and humbled myself to Him and His word, I realized only He could satisfy my soul!

All the glittery things of the world are just that, glittery. They are a pretty picture, but behind it all, it’s deception which then becomes frustration. Deep down you know you aren’t following God’s word and this eventually leads to an unhappy life.

If a man gains the whole world but loses His soul, what has he gained?  Nothing! (Mark 8:36)

Eternity is far more important to me than the things of this world!

Do I do everything perfect? No. However, I can maintain holiness in my life to help me make the right choices daily!

I have always believed that we live by the choices we make!  We must pray daily and ask God what’s best for us today. Who can we help? What extra can I do to help someone’s life? A kind word? A smile?

Settle these things in your heart!

The bible says, "His yoke is easy, and His burden is lite.” (Matthew 11:30)

It’s easy to live for God, when it is settled in our heart

The things of this world no longer are an enticement to me.  Living for God is second nature, getting up on Sunday worship is a way of life!  In praise and worship we thank Him for who He is, where He brought us from and the hope of where we are going to be together forever!

I pray you settle the conflict in your heart today. Begin living a life that is pleasing to God.

Don’t second guess God, rather, look for answers in His Word.

Seek wise counsel in your church elders. Paul even said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”

Be consistent.

Find peace and joy in God’s simple blessings.