Center of the Soul
The sermon emphasizes that true peace is found in centering the soul on God, who fulfills its deepest cravings and desires.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about true peace being found when the soul revolves around its center, Almighty God, craving only what God supplies, with passions subdued and in harmony with God and His laws. The soul, made for God, must find its rest in Him alone, as nothing else can satisfy its yearning for its Maker. Those who receive Him in peaceful trust will experience His dwelling in love and joy, leading to great rest and blessedness.
Text
Behold, I will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.
JEREMIAH 33:6
Glory, honor, and peace, to every man that work-eth good.
ROMANS 2:10
TRUE peace is when the soul revolves around its centre, Almighty God, craving for nothing but what God continually supplies, its passions subdued to it-self, itself lovingly loyal to God, in harmony with its God and His laws. God made the soul for Himself, to have its bliss in His infinite, unchanging, exhaust-less love. The soul then "must needs be restless, until it repose in Him." Everything, whether it belongs to the keenest intellect, or the lowest senses, is an idol if the soul rests in it, apart from God. The soul's craving for peace is its natural yearning for its End, its Maker and its God. Since the soul is large enough to contain the infinite God, nothing less than Himself can satisfy or fill it.
E. B. PUSEY
With those who have made ready to receive Him in peaceful trust, He will come and dwell in love and joy; and great is their rest and blessedness.
ABBÉ GUILLORÉ
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the nature of true peace - The soul's relationship with God - The importance of centering on God
- II points: - The consequences of idolatry - Restlessness of the soul - The need for divine fulfillment
- III points: - The role of trust in receiving God - Experiencing love and joy in God - The blessings of a peaceful soul
- IV points: - God's infinite love as the soul's true satisfaction - The harmony between the soul and God's laws - Living in alignment with divine purpose
Key Quotes
“TRUE peace is when the soul revolves around its centre, Almighty God, craving for nothing but what God continually supplies.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“The soul then 'must needs be restless, until it repose in Him.'” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“With those who have made ready to receive Him in peaceful trust, He will come and dwell in love and joy.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Reflect on what you may be placing above God in your life and seek to realign your priorities.
- Practice trusting God more fully to experience the love and joy He offers.
- Engage in regular moments of solitude to center your soul on God and find true peace.