We have heard the phrase “rest in peace”, but have we ever really considered what that means. I hadn’t until this morning when the Lord said to me, “Peace comes from dying to yourself, while anxiety comes from promoting yourself.” There was no context for this conversation, my prayers were actually about how amazing God is and I was thanking Him for various character qualities I love about Him. Then the Holy Spirit says, “Peace comes from dying to yourself, anxiety comes from promoting yourself.” Wow. Just wow.

What I love most about God is that He always speaks the truth. Therefore, whether I understand fully what He is saying or not, does not change the truth He is speaking. I walked and pondered this thought this morning and as I was, the phrase, “rest in peace” came to my attention. We love our lives so much, we we love ourselves so much, we love to promote ourselves, talk about ourselves and tell others about ourselves. Then the church catches on to this and adds to this love of self theme and yet we are the most anxiety ridden culture in my lifetime. With so many self-help books, so much self- discovery, self-promotion, my truth, talk, why are we so anxious, lonely, depressed, addicted and angry if self is so wonderful?

Self is like the leech in Proverbs that cries give, give. Self is never satifsfied, self will never say enough. Self always has to have more. Self is the root of anxiety, fear, control, and all the other destructive issues people are dealing with, but when we hear we are to die to ourselves so we can live, we poo poo that idea, for it does not benefit self. Paul said in Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” If you want peace you have to die to yourself and live for Him. We Rest In Peace when die to ourselves. Peace comes from being dead to me not promoting me.