Tuesday, Dec. 4 – PEACE
Today’s Scripture:
Psalm 43:3-5
Romans 5:1
Peaceful is the exact opposite of how I am feeling. Irritable, selfish, rushed and tense would be a more accurate description.
My instincts( and actions) are to completely give myself over to these all too familiar feelings. Then I am reminded- thanks, once again- to my ever present teacher-the Holy Spirit,
“Replace these lies with truth.”
“-we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus.” Well – I definitely don’t have it all together. I can’t remember the last time I had it all together. Oh wait – not MY version of having it all together. HIS version, the true reality of having it all together looks very different than mine. HIS version looks a lot like PEACE.
“By entering through Faith into what God has always wanted to do for us-set us right with Him, make us fit for Him- we have it all together with God(We have peace with God) because of our Master Jesus.
But, why can’t I make myself, will myself to be filled with peace. I thought I had come so far. I thought I had this beat. . This “having it all together”, this “peace” is beyond my grasp. My humanity has too tight of a stranglehold on me for that. A huge wave of humility sweeps over me. I am completely incapable of peace. Not creating peaceful circumstances, but peace with God. I am reminded that over and over, scripture refers to Him as a God of Grace and Peace.
But wait – I can – and do have peace with God – BECAUSE OF MY MASTER JESUS. This struggle doesn’t have to be. I stop, and pray for help “Lord help my perspective to be Yours, not mine,” and fill my racing thoughts with scripture- “Give me Your lantern and compass, give me a map, so I can find my way to the sacred mountain, to the place of Your presence… Fix my eyes on God- soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.” – I remember – I’ve been to that mountain – I LIVE on that mountain!!!! I HAVE come far. He has shown me the way! What Joy! What Hope! What PEACE!
The circumstances have not changed. But guess what! I have changed! Praise you Lord for these reminders of Your presence, Your way, Your truth! That I am not doomed to live a life of self- absorption, anxiety, irritability, and annoyance, but a life of love, joy, PEACE, and so much more!
Quotes from Psalm 43:3-5 and Romans 5:1 are from The Message.
-HS
“Oh wait – not MY version of having it all together. HIS version, the true reality of having it all together looks very different than mine.”
So good, love it! Thanks Heather