My word for 2013.
I didn't choose Peace. It has, over time, been choosing me; whispering in my ear to "take hold" of it.
The thing is for a long time I didn't want it. Taking hold of Peace meant relinquishing control, and nestling into Sovereign God. And as much as I wanted the later, this control-freak couldn't give up the reign over her own life.
BUT GOD.
Sometimes the way God communicates mercy is by allowing us to experience some turbulence. Discomfort is often the quickest way to get this knucklehead to recognize she needs the God-of-the-universe to step in and take over.
Here are just a handful of areas where I have held onto the reigns and missed out on the peace I have so desperately NEEDED:
Relationship
Insecurity
God's will
Finances
Health
I'm tired just recalling for a moment the emotional agitation just one of these areas have caused me (and my family- sadly, the 4 I love the most have had the ugly consequences of my lack of peace projected onto them).
I'm also grateful for the turbulence. I think a person has to really want something before they can fully receive it. It took a long season of being emotionally weary and frenzied to cause this girl to finally WANT Peace!
And this year, I BELIEVE Peace can AND will be mine.
I believe it because Jesus gave peace to me (and you) for the taking.
"My peace I leave with you; my peace I give you."
John 14:27a
"Peace, peace, to those far and near," says the LORD. "And I will heal them."
Isaiah 57:19
(these are just two of the more than 200 verses that speak of God's Shalom-peace).
Since His peace is mine for the taking- by faith I grab hold of that peace-gift, and of the VICTORY I already have in Christ my Savior, and I...
A hurtful relationship can't take His peace from me.
Comparison or fear that I don't measure up cannot take my God-given peace from me.
A change in financial circumstances or in my health can't take His peace from me.
The liar Satan cannot take the LORD God Almighty's peace from me.
With His peace ruling my heart 2013 is going to be a very good year!
Live in Peace!
7 comments:
My pastor did his sermon on peace this weekend. How it's that thing we've all heard of but few of us actually get to experience it (it's like looking at someone else's vacation photos. You know that Mexico exists but not what it's like to be there).
Praying for a year of peace for you in all things - for the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Peace. . .I have visions of my favorite pastor with a booming voice saying, "Go forth in love and peace to serve the Lord." Praying His peace for you.
oh yes. i can relate. grace and peace to you. ☺
I love this. Let the peace of Christ rule (umpire, call the shots) in your hearts, for as one body you were called to peace.
I've been so looking forward to your one word! Love it!
Oh yes... peace! What a wonderful focus for your 2013. And I love John 14:27a! :)
love your word!
Love this Denise. One of my very favorite verses is Isaiah 26:3 "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Praying He will keep you in perfect peace this year.
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