Jesus Christ taught that change stems from our inner being. When people asked Peter, Jesus’ disciple, “what should we do?” he said “repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:37-38). Peter knew from personal experience that when God entered his inner life, his outer life began to change. Mere religiosity would have resulted in empty faith.
Lovingly, God said, “Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live” (Isa. 55:3). God can only touch our inner being when we make time for Him. We begin to learn from God when we spend time with Him in silence. When we turn to God with our whole being, asking and believing that He will speak to us, change is set in motion.
A lack of love in our life, and being involved in bitter relationships, hinders us from hearing the voice of God. The deeper our relationship with Jesus, the more quickly we will hear Him. This means detaching from impurity and malice; from falsehood, mistrust, hatred and carnal desires.
We are unable to fight the deluge of negative emotions within us through attempts at replacing them with positive ones.
However, God, who knows our heart, is the One who can transform it.
When we stop and focus our attention on God, we recognize His love and goodness; this love motivates us to live for Him. “For God is good and His love endures forever” (Ps. 100:5). As we read and meditate on God’s word, He guides our daily living.
Jesus said, “Go into your room, lock the door, and pray to your Father who is in secret, and He, who sees what is secret, will reward you”
(Mt. 6:6). If you detach yourself from the excitements of life and seek God you will find inner peace.
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