Peace

October 25th – Philippians 4:7

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Philippians 4:7

God’s promise- “My great peace will guard your heart and thoughts in Jesus.”

Anxiety and worry go hand in hand with life. And unfortunately some people get so used to being surrounded by stress and drama, without it they feel incomplete. Sadder still, some even thrive on it. But that’s no way for Christians to live. Because God wants to fill every area of our hearts, minds, and lives with His perfect peace. So how do we receive God’s peace? First we need to believe in our minds that God is the Author of peace. Next we need to believe He will overflow us with that peace. And we do that by following Paul’s example of prayers and thanksgivings. How do we learn to pray and give thanks? By spending time in God’s Word, and applying His promises to our lives. For as we grow in our understanding of the overwhelming love our Heavenly Father has for His children, our minds can find the peace they so desperately crave. And our hearts can’t help but burst with thankfulness for all God is and does.

October 25th – Philippians 4:7 Read More »

October 22nd – Psalm 29:11

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Psalm 29:11

God’s Promise – “I will give you My strength and bless you with My peace.”

In todays climate everyone is over stressed, anxiety filled, and fearful for the future. That’s why we could all use a heaping dose of strength and peace. Life is difficult enough without trying to navigate it alone. My heart aches for those who do not know Christ as their Savior. For they have only themselves to rely on. Only themselves to turn to for comfort, guidance, and security. But thankfully as Christians, we can take refuge in the Lord. For He will never forsake nor disappoint us. Instead the Lord takes our weakness, and gives us His strength. A strength that can overcome any storm and win every battle. And the peace He offers, supersedes even the greatest deluge. For He is our eye in the hurricane. And when we stay centered in the Lord, no lightening bolt, thunder clap, or howling wind, can shake the perfect peace found in the Lord alone!

October 22nd – Psalm 29:11 Read More »

September 23rd – Psalm 61:2

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Psalm 61:2

Many times my heart has felt faint, consumed by discouragement and fear. And it’s during those times when praying and drawing nearer to God is a necessity. Because the Lord is our “higher Rock”, our unshakable foundation that will never fail. No matter what is going on in this fallen world, God goes before us and makes our paths straight.  Deut. 33:26 reminds us that, “There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in his majesty. The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Satan loves to fill our minds with “what if” scenarios that all result in defeat. But God promises those who trust in Him and not the world, can live in peace and joy. King David who was protected by a mighty army knew better then to place his security in chariots and soldiers.  He understood that it was only God who could lead him to victory!

September 23rd – Psalm 61:2 Read More »

September 3rd – 1 Peter 5:7

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1 Peter 5:7

I didn’t grow up in a safe and loving environment. As a result, trust and surrender were very foreign to me. And the idea of handing over control of my life was petrifying. But that’s just what God commands us to do. He calls us to trust in Him, and His love. To believe that He only wants the very best for us, and has the ability to take care of our every need. I used to be so very tired. Tired from carrying all of my burdens, worries, and fear. Tired of feeling helpless, defeated, and wounded. But through Jesus’ redemptive love I can find peace and joy. And the freedom that comes from laying down my pain, fear, and worries at the feet of our Savior, swells my heart to the point of bursting. Although it’s a constant fight, each day I strive to trust in and walk closer with God. And He’s never failed me yet. So with peace and conviction, I can pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10).

September 3rd – 1 Peter 5:7 Read More »

June 13th – Psalm 4:8

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Psalm 4:8

Experts recommend getting 7-9 hours of sleep a day. Yet for many a good nights sleep is an elusive goal. So no wonder a reported 9 million Americans take prescription drugs to help them fall asleep. And 50 to 70 million people in America suffer from one or several sleep disorders. David had many reasons to lay awake at night in worry. Yet because of his faith in God to protect and see him through his troubles, Israel’s king slept like a baby. And look at Peter. Facing certain death in the morning, you’d think he would have spent the night pacing his cell. But instead he slept so soundly, the angel sent by God to rescue Peter had to strike him in his side to awaken him. We all can experience that kind of peace and deep, restorative sleep. If we do like David and Peter, and turn over all our cares to God. For He promises peace. A peace “which surpasses all understanding,” and one which “will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

June 13th – Psalm 4:8 Read More »

June 3rd – John 14:27

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John 14:27

I wish I could tell you there was a magic pill, a fool proof therapy, or a sure fire yoga pose to combat fear and anxiety. But there’s not. Because nothing this world offers can truly ease our weary hearts. No, the true soul resting peace that we crave only comes from the Lord. I myself struggle with PTSD stemming from a childhood tragedy. And some days the battle for peace seems impossible to win. But because of my relationship with Jesus Christ, I don’t fight it alone. It’s a war I wage together with Him. The moment I feel the fear start to creep in, I cry out to my Lord. I share with Him every thought and feeling. And I remember His promise that tells me if my fears never come to pass, or if my greatest dread is realized, Jesus is there. And my heart need never be troubled or afraid.

June 3rd – John 14:27 Read More »

May 11th – Romans 15:13

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Romans 15:13

I love how Paul refers to our heavenly Father as the God of hope. Because hope, joy, and peace, aren’t things we wish for just around the holidays. As a Christian, God wants everyday to be filled with the hope, joy, and peace that He alone provides. Each day through the power of His Spirit dwelling inside us, can be a good one no matter the circumstance. Our spirits fill with hope knowing that God wants only the best for us. And He always fulfills His promises. We have hearts that overflow with joy from the great love God has for us. A love shown in the daily blessings we receive. And we can rest in perfect peace when we see God as our refuge. Because when we make Him our safe place, we are tucked safely under the wings of the Creator of the universe!

 

 

 

 

 

May 11th – Romans 15:13 Read More »

March 21st – Philippians 4:6-7

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Philippians 4:6-7

The faith and love of the Lord exhibited by Paul never ceases to amaze me. No matter if he endured beatings, persecution, imprisonment, or a shipwreck, he never gave up. Nor did he give in to anxiety or despair. Does it mean he didn’t have those feelings, even for a brief minute? Of course not. For Paul, like us, always battled his human nature. But because of his close, personal, relationship with God, Paul experienced a peace beyond human understanding. And we can too.

Anxiety and worry go hand in hand with life. Especially as the days grow darker. But that doesn’t mean we have to stay trapped in the swirling cyclone of turmoil. We have a choice. But unfortunately some people get so used to being surrounded by anxiety and drama, without it they feel incomplete. And sadder still, some even thrive on it. But that’s no way for Christians to live. Because God wants to fill every area of our hearts, minds, and lives, with His perfect peace.

First we need to believe in our minds that God is the Author of peace. Next we need to believe in our hearts that He will overflow us with that peace. And we do that by following Paul’s example of prayers and thanksgivings. How do we learn to pray and give thanks? By spending time in God’s Word, and applying His promises to our lives. For as we grow in our understanding of the overwhelming love our Heavenly Father has for His children, our minds can find the peace they so desperately crave. And our hearts can’t help but burst with thankfulness for all God is and does.

As long we the earth is our home, we will encounter situations that will test our faith, and attempt to rattle our peace. But remembering that nothing happens without God’s say so, and He uses all things for our good, gives us a peace that transcends human understanding. I love the analogy of living in peace being like the petals of a flower unfolding in the morning sunlight. Our petals of peace open as we learn more about God. And as we soak in the sunshine of His perfect love, our petals blossom in His warmth and goodness.

March 21st – Philippians 4:6-7 Read More »

January 24th – John 14:27

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John 14:27

After suffering a childhood trauma, I was diagnosed with PTSD. And as a result, I know first hand the debilitating effects anxiety can have mentally and physically in a person’s life. Feelings of panic. Spiraling irrational thoughts. And paralyzing fear. I used to deal with the anxiety by hiding myself away from the world. The safe little bubble I created kept the anxiousness at bay. But that’s no way to live. Because God wants us to live full abundant lives. To experience the peace that Jesus died to give us.

I wish I could tell you there was a magic pill, a fool proof therapy, or a sure fire yoga pose to combat fear. But there’s not. Because what works for one may not work for the next. And even as a Christian, I fight the battle of anxiety every day. But I don’t fight it alone. This is a war I wage together with God. The moment I feel the fear start to creep in, I cry out to my Father, sharing with Him every thought and feeling. I visualize His hand firmly gripping mine. And I recite out loud Bible verses reminding me of the Lord’s promise of peace. A promise that tells me if my fears never come to pass, or if my greatest dread is realized, Jesus is there.

We can’t just wish our fears away. We need to act on God’s Word instead of reacting to the situation. Today I challenge you to dig deep in finding the root of your anxiety. Begin with your doctor. Make sure there isn’t an underlying physical issue causing your symptoms. Talk to your minister, rabbi, pastor or priest. Ask around for recommendations for a good counselor. Share your feelings and struggles with those around you. And above all else, turn to the Lord. He loves you and wants to see you living in His peace. A peace, that dries our tears, quiets our fears, rejoices during trials, and sings in suffering.

January 24th – John 14:27 Read More »

January 17th – Zephaniah 3:17

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Zephaniah 3:17

We all have fears. Some rational, others not. And all have felt the grip of panic that comes with anxiety. The one that feels like a storm raging inside. A violence which causes our thoughts to swirl madly, our hearts to beat wildly, and our chests to tighten beyond breathing. But as with any storm, there is an eye. That place of stillness. A calmness which always appears in the middle of even the strongest hurricane. God is that eye of the storm. A victorious Savior, He calms the seas and quiets our storms with His love.

When we’re filled with fear and anxiety, unable to shut off our thoughts, we crave God’s quietness. To be able to just let it all go and rest in His perfect peace. Peace stemmed from the deep, unconditional love He has for each of us, His precious children. His love for us is so great, our Father in heaven rejoices with great shouts of joy, and songs of everlasting devotion!

And because of His gift of the Holy Spirit, He now lives inside each of us forever. Never again do we have to face the storms of life alone, nor give in to fear and anxiety. For when we stand in the eye of the storm, there we will find the blue skies and sunshine of God’s perfect peace. All we have to do is be still, and focus on His quietness, promises and love.

The next time you find yourself struggling with your thoughts and spiraling out of control with fear, go to God in prayer immediately. Ask Him to calm your spirit and fill your heart with His peace. Receive His gladness. Let His quietness push away the storm clouds of anxiety. And let God’s love shine upon you like the rays of the summer sun appearing after the rain.

January 17th – Zephaniah 3:17 Read More »