More clear evidence that Naaman was changed from the inside out after he received his miracle was his admonition to never again bow to another god. Clearly, this wasn’t just lip service on his part since he was thinking ahead and asking Elisha in advance for forgiveness in the instances when he would have to participate in pagan worship alongside his master. After experiencing the power of the One True King, he understood that no idol could compare and that kneeling to anything or anyone else would be in vain. Having tasted the goodness of the Lord, reverence took root in his heart, and he determined that he would serve Him only. Though Elisha was initially indifferent to Naaman, hearing these words from the lips of one who was previously so far away from His Creator must have been an encouragement. In fact, before he left to return to Syria, the prophet felt compelled to bless his visitor, so he simply uttered the phrase, “Go in peace.” While it seems on the surface to be a formality, there is power in those three words, because they speak to the tranquility that becomes us as we surrender our idols and commit to serving God alone. 

Friend, you will inherit peace of mind and heart when you lay your idols at the Lord’s altar. Though it’s tempting to hold onto worldly security in one of its many forms, trying to replace the power of His presence with stuff you can control will always leave you feeling empty. In fact, your tranquility will flee as you pursue only what your flesh longs for, and you will miss out on the power of living in your Savior’s rest. On the other hand, when you surrender your heart, soul, mind, and strength to His keeping and worship Him alone, He will fill your spirit with a peace that surpasses human understanding and new life will spring forth in places that have long been barren.