WHEN OBSTACLES ARE BLOCKING YOUR PEACE

When my family moved into our current residence back in the early 1990’s, there was just an enormous open field behind our back yard. Shortly after moving into our new dwelling, an elementary school was built on the far side of the open field. Yet even after constructing the new educational facility there was still a lot of open field remaining. At first, my wife and I were happy that our younger boys would just have to cut through the back yard and get to school without walking on the street. But that happiness was only for a short time. A small lake, actually a retention pond, was built before the kids could take a short cut to school. The purpose of the retention pond, as explained, was to permanently hold water, control flooding, improve water quality, and support wildlife. No fishing was allowed by nearby residents.

Retention pond or not, I viewed that body of water as a peaceful, small lake. Initially, if you ever wanted a moment of peace looking out the window or sitting on the patio to meditate or you just wanted to enjoy the serenity, there were no obstacles blocking your source of peace. Eventually however, vegetation sprouted up and small trees started to grow and grow and grow and grow. As of the writing of this meditation, which is on a mid-December day, the only time you can see the small lake is in the winter, after the leaves on the trees have left the branches barren. I inquired of a tree specialist, a certified arborist if he could cut them down. I wanted my source of peace. He said he could not cut them because of some government regulations. Therefore, with the exception of the winter months, the small lake does not serve as a source of peace the majority of the days of the year.  

Now, I don’t know what the next step is to remove the trees, but on your Christian journey, when you have obstacles blocking your peace, those obstacles are no problem. Turn the obstacles over to the Lord, and He will move them out of your way. And if it takes a prolonged time period for the obstacles to be completely removed don’t get discouraged. For is is either because a lack of faith on your part or it is because the Lord is designing some experiences to develop you while you wait on the removal of the obstacles to be completed. He may be teaching you to wait on Him! Like the disciples on the sea, He may want you to learn how to have peace in the storm.

Before I tell you to “Be blessed,” as I typically do, let me give you proof from the scriptures that you can depend on God to remove the obstacles in your life and/or the impact of conditions that are troubling you, and blocking your peace, He can handle whatever type of obstacles they may be, and He can give you peace. Are you ready for the proof? I’ll just give you three of my favorites, so I won’t keep you too long.

•  ^“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NASB)
• ^“[The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace. (Psalm 29:11 NASB)
• “Peace, I leave you. My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.” (John 14:27 NASB)

I’ve delayed your departure for church long enough! You have to make it to the assembly of the saints! It is the Lord’s Day. Right? Right! Now, I’ll tell you! Be blessed!”

Committed to the climb,

Mark L. King