Good morning, Cottage Friends,
Lately I've been troubled by what I see happening in our country. We're dealing with things that I never imagined would surface here in America. The Cancel Culture, free speech being threatened, and so much more. It's all so alarming. And yet, in the midst of all this turmoil I experience peace "that passes all understanding".
In the letter Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, he penned these words:
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7 ESV)
Herein lies the means to my peace. It is through acknowledging the Lord first in my life, worshiping Him, looking to Him and not man for salvation, that I have internal peace. Washington DC cannot give me peace. The right home, the right job, the right education. None of those things can give me the peace that I receive from Christ Jesus. I know, because in the past I put my trust in those things, and they left me empty and anxious.
If you have a personal relationship with Jesus, as I do, then you have everything you need to experience "the peace that passes all understanding" in the midst of the chaos around you. I know many of you who read this blog understand what I'm writing about. You have that relationship, you have access to His peace. So, be encouraged today. Don't focus on the trouble around you, whatever that is right now. It may be health issues, or family problems, or maybe it's fear over the direction our country is taking. Whatever it is, I get it. I understand. More importantly, the Lord understands and He is for you. Meditate on His word, talk to Him -- which is really what prayer is -- and tell Him truthfully how you feel. Of course, He already knows, but He wants to hear from you nevertheless. When we turn to Him and ask for His peace to replace our anxiety, He delivers. And sometimes we have to be in a constant state of asking for that infilling peace because what we're going through is just that hard! I know because I've gone through some very hard times in my life that demanded constant connection to the only One who can calm my anxious heart.
Here's a song by Keith and Kristyn Getty: Benediction (The Peace of God) to encourage you further.
I love you. I'm thinking of you, and praying that you'll experience the "peace that passes all understanding."
Hugs,
Thank you for this, Nancy!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Sandi.
DeleteCame back again...still good. 🙂
DeleteI am listening to Kristyn as I write this. Beautiful voice. Beautiful music. One good thing about God is when you need to talk to him and get things straightened out he does not put you on hold or tell you because of high call volume he will call you back! I feel no one is there for help or customer service anymore but if you turn to God he will listen right then and there. Apparently he has A++ customer service lol! Nice post Nancy. Happy New Week. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Nancy. This song by Kristen Getty is one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteBe blessed today!
Thank you, my friend. God bless you!
DeleteNancy,
ReplyDeleteReally nice post. With everything that is going on today I think I would be paralyzed if I didn't know God was in control. If I start to get anxious I immediately call on him and the anxiety dissipates. And Kris is right that he doesn't have to get back to you. Thank you for the post.
My pleasure, Carla. The Lord is so faithful, isn't He? We never have to wonder if He will leave us. He never will. He's promised that! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
DeleteWe all need inspiration and encouragement, and your post helps me today.
ReplyDeleteI believe with all my heart in Jesus and redemption, but I know now everything
I do is right. You just have to stop what you are doing and pray on things.
That's right, Lynn!
DeleteHi Nancy,
ReplyDeleteI am praying right along with you. Thank you for the encouragement.
Carla
My pleasure, Carla. Hugs.
DeleteI have the same concerns. I don't understand what's happening. You are blessed to have a strong faith that brings you comfort. I'm searching. Thank you for your posts.
ReplyDeleteLynda, I couldn't face life without God. My relationship with Him keeps me grounded and gives me hope in this crazy world. I was once was a seeker like you, and Jesus found me. :) If you would ever like to have an offline "conversation", I'd love that. My email is ajoyfulcottageatgmaildotcom. God bless you
DeleteNo understanding this peace! And difficult to explain, I think... SO thankful for it. ❤️
ReplyDeletein Him we have our very being...
ReplyDeleteso in Him i lean in...
thank you for this encouraging post.
I love the words of the old hymn: 'Peace, peace, wonderful peace coming down from the Father above.' He is our only source of real peace. Jesus told us we would have trouble in this world - but do not be afraid for HE has overcome the world! Thank you for this encouraging post. Love Keith and Kristen's music.
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~