I lift my head, I look to you, Oh Lord,
Help me to see all you have for me today!
Topic of the Month: Peace
Alarms ring, feet scamper, water runs, pans clang, engines race, day begins and already I want to hide in my closet from all that is coming my way. All I want is to feel at peace. This constant yearning is the result of a stress-filled life, some would call it extreme busyness. A life that has no room for rest, no room to breathe, no room for interruptions, and no room for Jesus.
Exaggerated? Maybe. Realistic? Likely. Changeable? Absolutely.
Peace can mean different things to different people. It can change depending on the season of life one is living. Some believe they will find peace if “bills are paid, job is secure, kids are quiet, deadlines are met, health is good.” And while all of this is true, it is dependent upon our circumstances. So how do we get above the noise of everyday living and seek something more than this temporary peace? What is it that stops us from clinging to Jesus, the true giver of peace?
If real peace is based on what Jesus teaches not what people or situations tell us, why aren’t we digging deeper into what He is teaching? Real peace is based on our faith in an almighty God that offers us a chance at a quiet heart not a quiet house. A peace that flows through us even on a hard day at work, a terrible commute home or an argument with our spouse. It is permission to say ‘NO’ when our bodies desperately need to be still and know that He is God!
So often, as women, we tend to care for those around us, which in itself, is a wonderful act. But, when it leads to the detriment of our health, our ability to make good decisions, to the neglect of our family, or an inability to share who God is with those He has entrusted to our care, it is no longer a wonderful act. We can have this peace, if only we choose it.
Let’s allow Him to teach us through Luke 10:38-42 (NLT):
“As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Jesus clearly teaches that time at His feet is priceless. Does that mean we stop cooking, cleaning, working, living? Of course not. It means we take time with Him so that we know how to use the time that He gives. We take care of our souls and in turn Jesus strengthens us to do the work that He calls us to. If we stay bent on our own agenda, we will never have peace, we will hide in closets and never feel rested. If we allow ourselves to be the clay and give Him all control to shape our lives, shape our decisions, shape our thoughts and shape our actions…we will soar high on wings like eagles, we will run and not grow weary and we will walk and not grow faint.
Thank you Father for the peace that only you provide that is perfect, amazing and gracious!
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Luke 10:38-42, Psalm 46:10, Isaiah 40:31, Isaiah 64:8
