This week’s blog is a simple message. I have a busy week and the Lord gave me these thoughts for my own soul. I thought my readers might enjoy my “quiet time” lesson as well. Monday morning my son Craig wrote about being thankful in his First15 devotional. Jim wrote about similar ideas that morning as well. Craig’s mom and Jim’s wife—that would be me—needed to hear what they had to say. There is great peace and great power in simply taking time to be thankful for the joys of this world and the peace God brings.
Whatever the news, the God of David, Jonah, Solomon, Peter, John, and Janet is still firmly established on his throne in glory. We have a great God who wants his children to live separate from and noticeable in this world. One of our best witnesses will always be the presence of God’s peace and joy in our lives. Some people create storms; others stand calm while the storm rages. I want to belong in the latter group!
So, these were the thoughts God gave me for a busy week. These thoughts made my coffee taste a bit better and put a smile on my face. I hope they will be a blessing to you as well.
God’s simple message:
De-Stress
De – The prefix “de” means remove. Ephesians 4:31 (NIV) says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” I woke up thinking about a few friends this morning who have recently been wronged. As I prayed for them, I was reminded that God loves them and has a plan to redeem their situations. The Greek word “deos” means awe and reverence. I chose to get rid of one set of emotions and replace those thoughts with reverence and gratitude for the greatness of God. Who are you worried about or angry with today? Consider exchanging the dark thoughts for God’s thoughts.
Stress – The dictionary defines stress as a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. I can’t change my circumstances, and I don’t want to. I can, however, prepare for them differently. These were my thoughts as I listened for God to speak:
Demanding circumstances might produce stress but God is the source of our peace. Serenity is produced by the peace of God. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
We do trust God, but we will trust him more if we think of him more often. How many times today will God want us to turn to him for answers, direction, or wisdom? We naturally turn to other places, but we are called to live with loftier standards for our lives. It is good to picture God, leaning in from heaven, and offering us his perfect thoughts. How blessed are we that the God of the universe cares about every circumstance of our lives!
As I came to the end of my time with God, I was in a much different place than where I had begun. My circumstances remain, and I’m honestly glad for each opportunity. I hope my lesson will be a blessing for you. To close, I share the Apostle Paul’s words with each of you:
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.
And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
Have a great week!
Join us at www.christianparenting.org and chime in on this week’s discussion question: How do you help your children reject fear and put on love instead?