A Break from Anxiety

During uprisings in the Middle East, Ron Jones, who serves with the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Israel, communicated in his prayer letter:

"A friend shared something she observed that was a reminder of God's care for us. She watched a shepherd caring for his flock near the area where guns are fired. Every time the shots rang out the sheep scattered in fright. The shepherd then touched each of them with his staff and spoke calmly to them, and the sheep settled down immediately because they trusted the shepherd.

And then another shot sounded, and the same routine happened again. Each time, the sheep needed the shepherd to orient them again and to reassure them they were safe."

We're like those sheep, and our Shepherd wants to reach out and touch us with his staff, speaking words of calm and comfort. John 10:27-28 says, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."

Sabbath is one way to connect with our Shepherd. Only when we slow down and quiet ourselves and our busy schedules can we hear the Shepherd's voice that calms and guides us.

Q: How might a regular Sabbath lead you to a place of peace?

Q: Read Philippians 4:4-7 and Colossians 3:15-17. How can you let the peace of Christ rule in your heart?

Make a Change: Sit with the Lord for a couple of uninterrupted hours with a Bible, hymnal, or praise book. Speak or sing praise from the Bible or song book—no requests or petitions.

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