Where Peace Begins
(Modified and reprinted from Dec. 19, 2011)
Shutting off the T.V.? The computer? My phone? The light? Easy. Easy. Easy. Easy.
Shutting off my mind? Not so easy peasy. At the end of a long day, I often find my mind still running full speed ahead, trying to work on the problems of the day and the issues of tomorrow. On days like this my evening prayers go a little something like this: “Help me to stop working on all of this stuff Lord. Help me to rest. Give me peace.”
We’re big on evening prayers in my house, especially with our kids. And I’m glad that we are because the other night, my three-year-old, who is getting rather chatty with Jesus, said a prayer that challenged my working mind to take a break…
“Jesus I hope you had a good day at work. I hope you had fun and that your day wasn’t too hard.”
Now, I can honestly say that in my thirty-something years, I have never asked Jesus about his work day. Ever. And in the quiet darkness of my son’s room, his prayer still hanging in the air, I wondered why on earth not? Doesn’t he work every day?
And what is the nature of his work? You and me. He is at work on our hearts and lives every day. Trying to work on the worries of the world, as we often do, can be exhausting work …unless you are God. It is this very thought that now helps me quiet my mind at the end of each day.
Rest easy, friends. Whatever you are trying to carry, let it go. He’s working on it.
Rest easy, and sleep in heavenly peace, knowing that peace begins in the knowledge that His work day never ends.
“For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Romans 8:28
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
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Peace: Practice Makes Perfect
"I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27
Peace is a gift.
Did you get that?
A gift.
It's given to you, free of charge, no circus tricks required.
And on her best day, the earth cannot conjure it up.
Peace of mind and heart is a gift - from Jesus.
Purchased on the cross for all mankind.
It's a peace that passes all understanding, one that tells troubles and fears they must go.
What I find so stirring from this truth is - if peace is a gift, the only way I can get rid of it is if I give it away.
And this makes me wonder how often do I let people or circumstances steal my peace?
Peace that was given to me as a gift - peace that was always intended to be mine.
As a teacher of twenty-five 10-year-olds who are surely ready for summer break to begin, I have to choose daily to grab hold of the peace that is mine. But living in the promise of peace on a daily basis takes practice. A steadying and focusing of my mind to recognize the gift, and lay hold of it in my moments of frazzle.
But as they say, practice makes perfect.
"You will keep in PERFECT PEACE those whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts you." Isaiah 26:3
Monday, May 19, 2014
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Lessons on PEACE
This week we are sharing lessons we've learned about this gift called peace.
"I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27
Monday, May 19, 2014
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