Peace
Romans 5:1 says that once we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us how we can have peace that is greater than we can comprehend. Jesus told His disciples before He left this earth that He was leaving them His peace. He is the Prince of Peace, so I believe He knows what He is taking about when it comes to peace.
That is why I read with interest the articles about Christians practicing yoga as a spiritual exercise to draw them closer to God. In yoga a person clears his or her mind so they can meditate on practically nothing. This is supposed to draw the spiritual energy out of the body and restore peace. This is a practice by people who believe that god is everything, and they are trying to get in touch with the universe. It has nothing to do with Christianity.
Can emptying your mind bring peace? I don't think so. Peace is not the absence of conflict and pain. Peace is a tangible reality when we know God is in control of everything in our lives. We can have great peace in the middle of trials if we are turning our cares over to Him. Instead of being empty, we have peace when we are filled with His Spirit. Peace is part of the fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, we don't need to be empty of everything. We need to be full of Him. Then, we will have peace.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Zechariah 10-13.
That is why I read with interest the articles about Christians practicing yoga as a spiritual exercise to draw them closer to God. In yoga a person clears his or her mind so they can meditate on practically nothing. This is supposed to draw the spiritual energy out of the body and restore peace. This is a practice by people who believe that god is everything, and they are trying to get in touch with the universe. It has nothing to do with Christianity.
Can emptying your mind bring peace? I don't think so. Peace is not the absence of conflict and pain. Peace is a tangible reality when we know God is in control of everything in our lives. We can have great peace in the middle of trials if we are turning our cares over to Him. Instead of being empty, we have peace when we are filled with His Spirit. Peace is part of the fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, we don't need to be empty of everything. We need to be full of Him. Then, we will have peace.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Zechariah 10-13.