That's Settled!

What does it mean to be settled?

• establishing your own home or space
• the moving boxes are emptied
• your physical surroundings are intact and perhaps even organized
• you declare "no more moves"
• life is calm
• a decision is made
• a major problem in your life is resolved
• there is harmony among your loved ones
• you have accepted an outcome
• your heart is at rest

The list could go on and on. Each person could add their own items to the definition of what it means to "be settled."

Recently, I came across this verse from 1 Peter 5: 10-11:

"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." (NKJV)

 

"May God...settle you."

The word "settled" jumped out at me because that's often what I look for in life. It means feeling relaxed, at home, happy, and at peace. When I experience inner peace--total inner peace--I feel settled even when life is chaotic.

Peter writes this letter to believers experiencing persecution for their choices to follow Jesus Christ. Their lives are in turmoil but the apostle assures them, peace is possible. Even Peter himself faces imminent death, as this was written shortly before his own crucifixion.

Peace and settled-ness amid that? It seems impossible but that is what belief in Jesus means. We know he is the way to eternal peace and fellowship with God. All we have to do is truly believe and then seek the peace he offers. It is available for the asking.

My prayer for each of us is that we know the day-to-day feeling of being settled--at one with God through belief in his son, Jesus Christ.


(If you know someone who needs to be reminded of the peace God offers, share this post with them using the social media icons below.)