Peace, contentment and security and where to find it.

What would it take to find peace, contentment and security today?

This morning, as I read scripture from Zechariah 3:10, I was mysteriously comforted by the image of the fig tree. It reads; “The Lord Almighty declares in that day each of you will invite his neighbor to sit under the vine and the fig tree.” 

As I think about this passage, I am reminded of a time long ago. Seeing my grandmother’s fig tree in her backyard, with its big green leaves spreading out bigger than my head and its thick limbs reaching out wide, it looked more like a bush than a tree. Nevertheless, it made the perfect hide out while playing Hide-&-Seek as a child.

Surprisingly, the study note for this scripture said, “A proverbial picture of peace, security, and contentment.” While I was seeking refuge under that fig tree as a child, that is exactly what I found.

What would it take to sit in peace, contentment, and security?  

When you think about the fig tree as a picture of peace, contentment, and security, what does the Bible say about these things?

Peace, 

  • First, Jesus says in Luke 12:22 -34; “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes….Instead, seek God’s kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”

Contentment, 

  • Next, Paul tells in Philippians 4:11-13; I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength.”

and Security

  • And lastly, in John 14:27 , Jesus says; “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
These words remind us to not worry about tomorrow but to seek God instead. We need to be like Paul learning to be content by understanding that we can do all things through Jesus Christ. Therefore, we should not be afraid but receive the peace Jesus gives.

But God is asking us to do something.

I can imagine myself sitting under that tree. Sitting represents rest and the tree is God. Therefore, as I rest under God, I find peace, contentment and security.

God gives us these gifts when we sit under His “tree”. Then, God asks us to invite our neighbors to sit with us. The gift God has given us, He now wants us to share with others.

The other day, a friend called to invite me out to the lake. The timing was right, so I hopped in my car and drove across town. As I reached my destination, I found her sitting at a picnic table gazing out across the water. Quietly, I sat down beside her, taking a deep breath as I settled in. We didn’t speak because we didn’t have to. Sitting by the water’s edge, she had found peace and wanted to share it with me. Sensing God was with us, I felt satisfied, safe and secure.

God is asking us to share. 

When we rest under God’s proverbial fig tree, we find peace, contentment and security. God then asks us to do what He so freely has done for us. Share it.
Today, I challenge you to sit, rest, and find peace. Learn to be content in all things, feeling safe and secure knowing that God is with you.
Let us pray; God of all that is, thank you for your peace. Forgive us when we are not satisfied and when we worry or are filled with fear. Remind us that our security comes from You and help us to share it with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen. -M
P.S. – Leave me a comment below because I love to hear from you. Tell me how you invited someone to sit under your tree and what that looked like. Share this message with a friend or on Facebook.

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