Bow Down

Whatever is troubling you must bow down to the name of Jesus.

The reality is we can expect troubles in life, in a world full of uncertainties, we’re unable to avoid them. However, the truth is we can also have peace. Jesus says in John 16:33 “In this world you will have trouble…” In other words, it’s inevitable, sooner or later we all will be hit with troubled times. Yet, it doesn’t end there. In that same sentence He continues to say “….but take heart (be of good cheer as another translation states) because I have overcome the world”. Do you realize what Jesus is saying here? He is saying you will have trouble while promising peace, all in the same same breath.

When you prioritize

your problems over the Problem Solver, those problems become an idol.

Is it really possible to have peace while facing troubles? Absolutely! The reality is we can experience supernatural peace in the midst of turmoil. However, my question to you is, where is your focus at? Are you focusing on the troubles more than you are on Jesus? Are you bowing down to your troubles or are they bowing down to Jesus? When you prioritize your problems over the Problem Solver, those problems become an idol. Follow me with this: When you pay more attention to what is causing you pain and turmoil than the One who has a solution to your pain and turmoil, then that becomes an idol in which you bow down to. Any person or thing that consumes your thoughts, words, time, energy, or money other than God is an idol. What you or who are you bowing down to? On the contrary, when you recognize your troubles and do not allow them to take dominance, you are saying “God is greater than my troubles”.

Did you know that God can trust you with trouble? When you put your complete trust in Him in-spite of your circumstances, you are telling Him that He can trust you because you can trust Him. Your troubles will have no choice but to submit and bow down to the One in which you’ve placed your trust in, Jesus.

Whatever is troubling you, if it has a name, it must bow down to the name of Jesus. The bible says that in Philippians 2:10-11 “So that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow—in heaven and on earth and under the earth—  and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”. It starts with you. First you must surrender and bow down to Jesus. When you surrender, you cease resistance. It is necessary to submit to authority when we take the stance of bowing down. What are the areas in your life that need to be surrendered? What troubles are you facing that require letting go and letting God? You see, until you are able to release it, God cannot receive it. Let Him take charge.

Learning to give up your struggles to God can lift such a heavy burden off yourself. God never intended you to carry a load you cannot bear, so give it to Him and find rest in the One who can provide it for you. As you bow down in humility, you will notice your worries begin to dissipate. Your troubles will also recognize that they too must bow down to the feet of Jesus.

Troubles must bow down. As you focus more on Jesus and less on the world, you will begin to feel God’s peace in such a tangible way. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” This is very a powerful, yet encouraging Word which reminds us that we don’t have to feel hopeless in what may seem like a hopeless situation. We can respond with prayer and thanksgiving. A grateful heart will usher in the peace we need to continue trusting in the One who trusts us with trouble. We may not have all of the answers or know exactly how they will be solved, but His peace will sustain us through the difficult moments.

Let us be reminded today of Jesus’ words: Take heart! Regardless of what you see and how you feel; be of good cheer! He has overcome everything in this world in order to ensure your victory.

How are you responding to your troubles? Are they overcoming you or are you overcoming them by the power of Jesus? Whatever is robbing you of your peace, must bow down. God wants you to experience His peace that surpasses all understanding and that will only occur when your heart and mind is focused on Him and Him alone.

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

~landypf