This is my favorite tree on our property.
Peace. Are you in need of peace?
Let me tell you…having peace, discovering peace, cultivating peace, displaying peace, offering peace, etc., in the truest sense of PEACE, isn’t something that you fabricate on your own. It comes from knowing God.
Jesus Christ Himself said in John 14:27, “I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” Wait! Did you see that? He is not just giving you any type of peace. He is giving you His OWN PEACE.
Sure you can find peace in and through people, places, songs, and a variety of “things” in and of this world, but they are only temporary. If you want true and everlasting peace, seek to know your Heavenly Father.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18
Yesterday I went on a prayer hike around our property. As soon as I began walking, God reminded me of the first time I saw this piece of land. When Tim and I were first approaching the home site I was not completely onboard with my husband. When we began to walk around the perimeter of the woods I started praying for God’s guidance in whether or not THIS was the land He desired for us. With each step, peace would wash over me. Peace that can only come from God. Peace that calmed my soul and thoughts. Peace that continues to run through me when I am sitting, working, walking, hunting, or whatever while on our land.
Peace continued to be the underlying theme in my prayers. In each situation and person that I was praying for, peace seemed to be what was and is needed for them while they are in their predicament. Direction in life, seeking a job, battling cancer, facing death, relationships, heading out on a new adventure in life, acceptance, bitterness, jealousy, and the process of building a home are just a few examples of needs I was praying for for others and self.
While reading James 3:17-18 this morning, I just had to read the entire chapter. Oh, how I want to encourage you to as well. This chapter mentioned some of the same things that I was praying for regarding bitterness, selfishness, and wisdom. My desire for those individuals is exactly what God desires for them…peace.
If you are struggling with any of these types of emotions or matters mentioned, let me give you some advice that helped me through same struggles I’ve had in the past. FORGIVENESS. You MUST forgive the person that you are having these unhealthy emotions with. You MUST forgive yourself too. When you forgive, it brings about God’s peace like you wouldn’t believe. Also, WISDOM. Seek God’s wisdom and not your own or of others.
I want to encourage you to take a prayer walk, hike, ride, or sit yourself. Pray first of all for forgiveness and wisdom, then thankfulness for the blessings God has given you, and then pray for others. I hope you add me to your list. *smile*wink*
Peace to you, my friend.
I pray that you will enjoy soaking up The Son every moment of each day. –Stephanie
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