Tag Archives: peace of mind

Finding peace

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Finding peace in the middle of a storm is not an easy proposition.  When a trial rages beyond your control, you may be tempted to assume the worst and withdraw.  Colossians 3:15-17 paraphrased tells those who believe in God to “let the peace of Christ rule in you hearts…be thankful…sing to God with gratitude in your hearts…give thanks to God.”

Maintaining an attitude of thanksgiving while one battles an unseen enemy seems counter-intuitive.  However, being thankful to God means we haven’t given up hope.  We can be vigilant while at the same time being kind and encouraging to others.  This approach means we believe there’s a future beyond the present situation, even though the road ahead remains obscured.  Fight fear with thanksgiving!  What do you have to be thankful for?

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Finding peace: Philippians 4:6

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“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7 CSB

If you are like me, there are incidents in my life where worry rules the day.  Philippians 4:6 says, “don’t worry about anything.” Count me among those who wonder, how is that possible?  

For starters, I need to remind myself that God is sovereign, He reigns over everything.  He never gets distracted. There is never an incident in my day when God is not present.  Those who believe these things handle anxiety by praying.  In my conversation with God, I pour out my heart (help me, please!).  While I’m talking to Him, I also must remember to thank Him for all he has done, for listening to me presently, and for what he is about to do. God’s answer to my prayer might not be how I envisioned it, but I need to remember to thank him regardless of the outcome.

It is through prayer and thanksgiving that, “the peace of God, which passes all understanding can be found.”  This peace (that I cannot explain) guards my heart (faith in God) and my (worrisome) mind.

Peace be with  you!

Guarding your thoughts: Philippians 4:6-7

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After an exhausting day at work, I peeled off my sweaty clothes and tossed them on a pile of laundry.  But before I could take up residence on the couch, there were a few household items I needed to take care of.  Feeding “big boy” (our parrot fish) and walking Jake and Brody (our two dachshunds) topped the list.

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After finishing a relaxing walk with my pups, I grabbed the stack of dirty clothes and tossed it in the washing machine. A couple hours later I transferred the load to the dryer.

I grabbed a fresh towel and a wash cloth from the dryer the next morning as I prepared to start my day.  While taking several gulps of coffee, I noticed wads of paper scattered across the floor.  I recognized the fragments immediately.  They were “scraps,” thoughts I collected for chapter 8 of my upcoming book, which interestingly enough dealt with the issue of distraction.

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Accusing thoughts surfaced–Brody!  It’s a proven fact he loves to shred anything made of paper.  But how did he get ahold of my precious thoughts?  Yet, he didn’t look guilty as he rested quietly head in paws.  I didn’t know what to think.

Moments later, I visited the dryer again.  This time rummaging for a pair of socks. More wads of paper appeared among the clothes.  As it turns out, this was my doing!

If I had taken the time to capture these thoughts in my manuscript instead of carrying them around for weeks in my shirt pocket, this calamity could have been averted.  In my moment of anxiousness I was reminded of this verse of scripture:

“In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7 ASV

You may be wondering what losing scraps of paper has to do with this passage of scripture.  I had the same thought and considered putting this story on ice.  I decided to ponder the matter for further and pray about it.  A thought came to me this morning.  The source of most of my scraps used in this blog find their origin in bathing myself in the peace God provides.

I have to chuckle.  From now on, whenever I see, “guarding your thoughts,” (as in folded scraps of paper in my pocket) it will remind me of my washed and dried scraps of paper.

Psalm 119:153-168: Revival and Awe

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Verses 153-160 of Psalm 119 incorporate the theme of Revival.  Consider the Psalmist’s words, Deliver me (153), Redeem me (154), Revive me and preserve me (154, 156, 159).  David Guzik offers this commentary, “The Psalmist looked for help and salvation outside of himself…He knew he needed God to redeem him…The Word of God is a source of revival.”  If we will only read it and incorporate its principles into our lives.

Look upon my suffering and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your instructions. Psalm 119:153 NLT

One reason we fail to do just that is so many of us have lost our Awe of God.  This is the subject of verses 161-168.  I find it interesting that so many people are willing to make God an idea.  If they can allow themselves to believe that thought, then God can be manipulated.  Better still, God can be fooled.  However, if God is real, he is to be feared (revered) because he knows all and sees all.  Consider the Psalmists words, My heart trembles (161), I love your law (163, 165) because it is a great spoil (treasure) and brings me peace.  Because he is in awe of God and believes God knows everything about him, he obeys the Word of God (168).

Awe occurs when you stand on precipice of something vast (an ocean, mountain or canyon) and it makes you feel small.  In the words of Matt Chandler, “The human heart hungers, not to be consumed with itself, but to look up in awe of our Creator.”

Allow your heart to be revived, be in awe of God!