More Peace

As I was praying this morning only one word kept coming to mind – peace.

I said “Lord, I’ve just finished several blogs on peace. Do you want me to continue?” The answer was clear. “Yes, continue teaching on peace as long as I tell you”.

“When I felt my feet slipping, you came with your love and kept me steady. And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure.” Psalm 94:18-19 CEV

We get very little news coverage in the mountains but we aren’t completely uninformed either. I’ve heard of the hurricanes, earthquakes, increase in COVID cases and the unrest in Afghanistan. It’s enough to make hearts sick and knees weakened.

That’s why we need God’s peace!

5 Only God gives inward peace,
and I depend on him.
6 God alone is the mighty rock
that keeps me safe,
and he is the fortress
where I feel secure.” Psalm 62:5-6 CEV

Our Father wants us to be as confident in His power to protect and provide through the storm as we are when there is no storm.

“Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me.” John 14:1 CEV

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:6-7 CEV

I know some reading this have recently been through some near-death experiences, lost loved ones, have loved ones in dangerous circumstances and been through terrible storms. I have prayed that God’s peace would wrap around you like a warm blanket, controlling your thoughts so that you can be at rest in His care.

Keep your focus on the Father’s unbreakable promises and live in His peace!

Building Trust

I have spent my life learning, growing and developing trust.

I’m not sure I can say that I have complete trust – if that shocks some of you, I apologize but I am being honest. I know in my heart of hearts that God is always faithful and His love is unconditional and His Word never fails but I don’t always let that lead me. Sometimes I get out ahead of God and sometimes I fall behind.

However, I trust the Lord more now than I did ten years ago. I have experienced more and experience builds trust. It works this way with the people in our lives and also in our relationship with the Lord.

“Your teachings are wonderful, and I respect them all. 130 Understanding your word brings light to the minds of ordinary people. 131 I honestly want to know everything you teach.
132 Think about me and be kind,  just as you are to everyone who loves your name. 133 Keep your promise and don’t let me stumble or let sin control my life. 134 Protect me from abuse, so I can obey your laws. 135Smile on me, your servant,  and teach me your laws. 136 When anyone disobeys you, my eyes overflow with tears. 137 Our Lord, you always do right,  and your decisions are fair. 138 All of your teachings are true and trustworthy.” Psalm 119:129-138 CEV

As I read God’s word it teaches me and gives me amazing insight. I know that God can’t and doesn’t lie – I know His love never fails – I know that He is faithful to a thousand generations! I know that He is my Savior, my healer, my provider, my counselor, my peace, my protection, my all-in-all!

Then why do I let fear or anxiety, frustration or anger, or self will invade my world? It’s because, like Peter, I take my eyes off Jesus and look at the winds and the waves. I neglect to “consider” the one thing that always provides the right answer. “All your teachings are true and trustworthy”.

Joshua and King David both said that we are to meditate on the law of the Lord day and night, then we will prosper and have good success. The Apostle Paul said that we are to renew our minds and not be conformed to this world. Jesus went aside to pray and spent time with His Father on many occasions, renewing His mind and refreshing His spirit.

Complete Trust! It’s something we grow toward and grow in as we spend more time in God’s word and in prayer. We bring our minds into obedience with His word. There is only one thing that has always been right – God and His word!

We can trust Him with our today and all of our tomorrows. I love the words of an old hymn, “Trust and Obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey”.

Keep building trust!