Here it is April and we are talking about Authentic Living
with Peace. If you have been reading
this series from the beginning, then possibly you look forward to these monthly
posts.
I hope that has been the case because I enjoy writing each one. They have set the stage for the weeks that follow in my own life, which is neat.
I want to begin living with peace from a verse in Philippians.
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 4:7
So, when we talk about having peace, sometimes that belief can get fragmented into earthly ideas. I once thought peace was a time to be still and quiet. Where that can be the case, later I began to see that way of thinking is temporary.
Let’s do a little exercise and take a moment to reflect on a time when your life was turned upside down… I can only guess the stress of that situation caused a mixed reaction of emotions.
Now imagine going through that same circumstance again but this time upgrade your response with feeling calm from beginning to end. Allow yourself to see how God’s peace as described above could have influenced things.
If you were able to notice the difference then you know God is peace; unfortunately, too many have turned him away to settle for moments of stillness and quiet.
We just celebrated easter, to me this is the most amazing time of the year. The seasons shift, temperatures mature and there is new life everywhere we turn.
Like the colors in a sunrise or the rays in a sunset I am reminded daily why Christ had to die on the cross. He gave it all and when he rose from the dead, that was God’s promise clearly stated in Genesis 3:15.
For believers God will always be with us and his peace will control the way we think and feel. For some this might sound scary but for me this is the greatest treasure and why authentic living with peace continues to grow within.
Let me leave you with this Psalm. For the Lord God is the sun and shield. The Lord grants favor and honor; He does not withhold the good from those who live with integrity. Psalm 84:11
It is my hope you welcome his peace in your life.
See the good,
Carole West
Carole West
Download this free screensaver as a reminder that God is Peace.