I absolutely love a bubble bath!! Who's with me ladies? When its cold outside and my day has been more than hectic, I love to get in the bubbles! The problem with that is the house I currently live in DOES NOT HAVE A TUB in my bathroom. Oh sigh!
I also love candles! There is nothing more peaceful to make worries flee than to sit and enjoy the flickering view of a candle and the wonderful scents that I oh so enjoy!!
These are all very enjoyable moments that can seem to calm our wars within. But the truth is these are only temporary fixes and I believe many of us are crying out for something REAL.
NOT FAKE OR TEMPORARY-BUT REAL
I know certainly all around us even during this Christmas season there are cries for peace. Our world is in definite need for peace and people all around us are facing untold circumstances of war in their lives that we don't even hear about.
Many cry for peace silently due to situations that they are facing. The cries can't be heard by the human ear but they scream loudly from a heart deep within individuals to feel the embrace of peace once more.
Peace is so freely given by our Lord but can seem so distant many times.
Unfortunately, many turn in wrong directions to try to achieve peace that will lead only to a dead end.
God's Word reminds us that A fool destroys himself by his idleness. Busy and Work can be a good thing when kept in rhythm with God's will but when it becomes overwhelming and dominates our life it is futile.
HOW CAN WE HAVE THAT TRUE MEANINGFUL PEACE? That peace that goes past anything that we can understand. That peace that allows us to rest in God and know He is REAL.
Philippians 4:7 (New Living Translation)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your request to God. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Ya know, the truth is I am terrible about lists! I make a list of the list. Did you get that? Me neither!! Oh well, what I am trying to say is that I can overdo something very easily. If it can't be just right then I work myself ragged trying to make it right. For me, its not only at Christmas but throughout the year. ( I am working on improving in that area :) )
With that said, I am sure I am not the only one who at some point has needed the embrace of REAL peace. I feel pretty certain that I am not the only one who has walked through seasons of having screams on the inside and needed someone to hear them because I longed for some peace and I needed the wars inside to stop!
But I am so thankful that in those seasons God has helped me and that is why I share this devotion today. You never know who just might need to hear this word and I can honestly say God WILL show up!
I am so thankful that God helps me to remember that he paid the ultimate sacrifice so that I could live a life filled with peace. And that peace is not found in the busyness or the TO DO LIST but peace is found in BEING STILL.
BE STILL before the Lord and He will hear your cries for Peace.
The more we draw close to God the more peace we will enjoy.
James 4:8 (New Living Trans)
Come close to God and God will come close to you.
Of course, we want to enjoy this season, of course we want to decorate, of course we want to have time with family and friends, enjoy all the delicious food, and don't forget the Christmas lights! But remember even when Christmas is over, there will be another list to make and more things to do!! So in the midst of it all LET'S BE STILL and draw near to God. He will bring peace in every season of life. I know He will -- Cause HE SAID SO!!
John 14:27 (New Living Trans)
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.
WOW! Now, that is something to thank God for!!!
So today, Go light that candle and enjoy! But also enjoy the presence of God too!!! Make your cries known to him and then rest in the fact that HE KNOWS, HE HEARS, and HE ANSWERS!
A prayer to pray, Lord we love you. We thank you that you are the source of our strength in every season. Lord, you are the one that calms the storm and speaks peace to winds and waves of our lives. We ask you now to help us to draw near to you. Even in moments that we have to crawl through the strong winds and waves to get to you. Help us to draw near to you. We thank you for the gift of peace that is present even when we don't understand. Thank you for your love and gifts to our lives. Amen.
Thanks for reading this devotion today!
Visit me at overcominglife.info
Pastor Lisa Evans
If you have moment, listen to this song! Yes, I know its older but the message just might help!
Peace Speaker
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