Thursday’s Peace . . .
Resting in God’s Gift of Peace
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him . . . Psalm 37:7a
We often long for peace, but that yearning is often magnified in the noise and mad rush of the season, as we strain to find even a moment of silence and peace.
Silence and peace often go hand in hand . . . when we practice silence of our mouth, we can better listen to others and hear their needs . . . then listening to God, we gain peace in His guidance.
If we make an effort to remove the noise around us (even if just in our mind), we begin to hear the whispers of the Holy Spirit, the voice of our Lord . . . and we gain peace knowing we are not alone.
If we search the world with silent eyes—faithful eyes that know God, even when we cannot see Him—God will come to us in our belief.
If we seek silence of the mind, pushing aside anxious thoughts and worries that can separate a person from God, we then can more easily rest in the peace of His presence . . . which then allows our restless hearts to rest in the arms of our loving Lord.
Thoughts for today & tomorrow . . .
As you search to encounter the living God, rest in a long, faith-filled gaze at Him, His work, and His Word. The giving of one’s undivided attention to God and the ability to hear God’s voice and obey his word comes with reflection . . . listening . . . releasing . . . opening yourself to be acted upon by Our Lord.
God desires fellowship, communion, and relationship . . . when you slow down to spend time with God, you create
sacred space (a personal sanctuary) within yourself . . . an inner sanctuary that is filled with Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit, no matter what the circumstances.
What kinds of obstacles to peace do you anticipate in this Advent season?
When The Lord is in our hearts, we are always in that sanctuary with him . . . even in the middle of traffic or hurrying through a shopping mall . . . that is holding onto peace in your soul.
Let the Lord help you find a sense of balance in your life where you can be at peace throughout the activities of the day, find the ability to rest and take time to enjoy the joys of the Christmas season around you, and nurture the ability
to pace yourself.
Center the attention of the body, the emotions, the mind, and the spirit upon the glory of God.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,
to which also you were called in one body;
and be thankful . . . Colossians 3:15
Reflections of Peace . . .
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake . . . Psalm 23:1-3
Consider and reflect upon someone in your life that exemplifies the peace you desire . . . it could even be Christ . . .
What does God see in this person? Where is God at work in this person?
Intentionally slow down your body, relax your shoulders, breathe slower and with deeper breaths. Then focus on God’s handiwork in the sights and sounds around you . . . He has a part in creating everything.
Choose a visual focal point and watch, listen, pray, let your mind wander . . God will do the leading.
Use music to lead your mind to new directions and relaxation . . . Listen to or contemplate on the words of a song . . . *there is a new music link below for today you can also use.
Concentrate on a word that will bring you peace . . . bliss, tenderness, joy . . . what works for you?
Continuing writing, doodling, or journaling - anything that comes to mind – or pick a topic and write all the thoughts it brings up . . . Then think about what God might be telling you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid . . . John 14:27
Remember to pray . . .
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you . . . 1 Peter 5:7
Prayer can take many, many forms . . . just talk with God, then listen.
Meditate on a scripture . . . focus on each word and listen for what God has to tell you.
Find a quiet place . . . be silent and just listen to what God has to say.
Take time to think about the gifts God has given you – how might he want you to use them.
Mother Teresa offered that “We need to find God and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is a friend of silence. The more we engage in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life. The essential thing is not what we say but what God says to us and what He says through us.”
So, this season, if we want peace, we need to pray and rest in the peace we find.
Resting in God’s Gift of Peace through the Kaleidoscope . . .
Focus on the ever-changing patterns of the kaleidoscope again. (*or follow the link below).
Turn off the television, radio, computer . . . set aside your phone . . . if necessary, make an appointment with yourself and schedule time away to relax a moment.
Rest ~ listen ~ release ~ let go ~ cry ~ laugh ~ reflect . . . pick an emotion, or work through them all, as you watch the colors and light change within the kaleidoscope.
Open your heart . . . open your ears . . . open your mind . . . and let God in!
The Lord is in control . . . resting in peace comes when you can allow Him to guide you in His will . . . the tug and pull
of the world fades, and the brightness and light of His love comes to the front.
Rest in God’s Gift of The Light . . . Choose Peace!
