FINDING PEACE IN THE STORM

I notice such a difference in how my day goes when I take some quiet time out to pray and fix my thoughts on you, Lord. It sets the tone for everything that follows, and even if I get distracted or off track at some point, it's much easier to reconnect to that peaceful place of fellowship with you when I've started my day there. Please draw me back every day to this quiet sanctuary of prayer and meditation on your Word.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. . . . And be thankful.
                        -Colossians 3:15 

FINDING PEACE IN THE STORM

No amount of bad news can change the truth about the Good News--the eternal Gospel of peace with God through Christ.

When the storms of life are ranging around me, I need to remind myself about you, Father. The news I hear of what's going on in the world can be disturbing, but just a walk or drive outdoors can remind me that you are still the one who makes the sun rise and set, who causes life to spring up from the earth, who orders both the orbitals of atomic particles and the orbits of galaxies. The changing of the seasons reminds me of the intricate plan you have set in motion for maintaining life on earth and your faithfulness in carrying it out from generation to generation. I'm reminded again that although the freedom you grant us in this life means that some people will make terrible choices, the truth of your goodness remains constant. All who take refuge in you and trust in you enjoy ultimate peace.

FINDING PEACE IN THE STORM

Sometimes I begin to slip into the illusion that I am in control of my world, Father. I imagine that I can arrange things just the way I like them and that I can create my own peace by making sure everyone and everything follows my plan. Oh, how that house of cards gets blown away in the winds of adversity! How quickly I am reminded that I cannot manufacture peace with manipulation. You are my peace. You are my source of well-being, safety, and security. Apart from you there is no true peace to be had. 

FINDING PEACE IN THE STORM

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. 

                             - ISAIAH 26:3 NIV

I admit that the slightest distraction can pull my mind out of its orbit around you, Father. You know how I am: I can be praying or praising you one minute, and the next moment a phone call with some disturbing news or maybe a careless driver cuts me off on the road and POOF! - my peace has left the building, and I'm all out of sorts. I want to ask you, though, to help me. I want to grow into a more steadfast frame of mind--one that can take the bad news and thoughtless people of life in stride, acknowledging them for what they are, but not allowing them to rock my world. Would you help me take a step in that direction today? Thank you, Father.

FINDING PEACE IN THE STORM

[Jesus said,] "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
          -JOHN 14:27 NIV

I can picture the satellite hurricane pictures, Father. They show a huge swirling pattern of dangerous weather. But right in the center, there is an eye--a place of perfect peace. If a person could remain in that eye, even though there are deadly winds blowing all around them, they could ride out the storm unharmed. To me, Father, the world is one of those storms, and you are like the eye. Please hold me, carry me, keep me where your peace remains at all times, no matter what is going on around me. 

FINDING PEACEIN THE STORM

[Jesus said,] "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 NIV


Uncertainty about the future seems to be at an all - time high, Father. I don't know what to think about the storm that may be brewing on the horizon. It feels like the peace and security we've grown accustomed to are being threatened on so many fronts, and I'm not sure who to believe anymore. You don't need me to write the list. You know all the ways things are unraveling. I just need to take my eyes off all the craziness for a while and look at you again. That's where I'll find the peace of remembering that you are moving things toward your ultimate plan. Those who trust in you will be kept safe. 

FINDING PEACE IN THE STORM

God is a great redeemer. He can turn our worst mistakes into ultimate blessings when we come to him with a humble, truthful heart.

My own failures, foibles, and flaws are like storms of shame and frustration that recur regularly in my life, Lord. That's why I want to learn to look at them from your perspective. How do you see those things? It seems as though they tether me to you, reminding me of my need for your grace and mercy and love. They keep me from wandering too far away from you in arrogant self-assurance. They remind me to be gentle with others who are struggling. They are opportunities for growth. They nurture the peaceful quality of humility in my life. Next time I stumble, Lord, remind me of these things. Keep me from letting unnecessary storms ruin the day you have made for me to rejoice in.

FINDING PEACE IN THE STORM

When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea-billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, "It is well, it is well with my soul."
   --HORATIO GATES SPAFFORD,
   "IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL"

Dear Lord, some people are like stormy weather that can cloud up fair skies in a hurry. Just the sight of them entering a room can make me wish I could crawl into a cave until the storm of their words and ways passes by. I don't like feeling this way about anyone. I don't want to hide. I want to be like a warm sunshine set in a bright blue sky that either wins them over or chases them away. I pray that your spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control would be just that in my life, and that your peace would prevail in each "human storm" that comes my way.
 

FINDING PEACE IN THE STORM

God's Spirit offers us the blessing of inner peace.


When the circumstances of my life feel like a storm is blowing through--uprooting , flooding, twisting, burying--I can feel myself getting frantic, Father. I want to be able to do something to stop it, but I am powerless to change the course of something so beyond my control. And it's only when I stop flailing and grasping like a drowning swimmer that I realize I am being held by you, that you have not left me to brave the elements on my own. Whatever may be damaged, lost, or destroyed is also in your hands, and you are the one who restores, heals, and redeems, if only I will give you time to show me.

RECEIVING GOD'S DAILY GUIDANCE

When I feel my control slipping, Lord, I know I only have to call on you for encouragement, direction, and guidance to get your loving assistance.


So here I am, waiting. I have answered your call to pray. I have heard your guidance--to sit tight. I have chosen quiet and rest because that is your will for me now. I am sitting on the sidelines, watching the hectic pace around me. I am finding contentment in the little blessings that flow into my days. I am trying to see all these things as big blessings because they come from you. But when can I get going again? When will I do the great works I've envisioned? When will the situation require dedicated action once again? When will I hear the trumpet call? When will I finally move onward and upward? I'm ready, Great Spirit! Here I am . . . waiting.

RECEIVING GOD'S DAILY GUIDANCE

The humble He guides in justice,

And the humble He teaches His way.

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth,

To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.

--PSALM 25:9-10 NKJV

Today I want to spend time with you, Renewing Spirit. In fact, I'd like to spend the whole day just being in your presence. For this one day I will not worry about the work I have to do or the goals I want to accomplish. I will pull back and simply listen for your guidance. I'm willing to change my life in order to fit your perfect will, and I ask that you begin that work in my heart. I'll let go of personal ambition, for now. I'll loosen my grip on the things I've wanted to accomplish and the recognition I've craved for so long. All of this I give over to you. I'm content to be a servant for now, quiet and unnoticed, if that is what you desire. I'm even willing to be misunderstood, if you will only respond to my sincere prayer for a renewed heart. Thank you. I need you so much. 

RECEIVING GOD'S DAILY GUIDANCE

Sometimes we find ourselves needing God's guidance out of a sticky situation that our impulsive decision-making has gotten us into. God is always willing to help us get back on track.
     If we believe our Creator knows us completely and loves us fully, then he certainly has our best interest at heart, as well as the wisdom to accomplish the best outcome for us.

The guide is the one who leads, right, Father? Then why do I find myself running ahead of you so often? I see something I want, and I just start running for it. I'm like a kid who sees an ice cream truck across the street and runs into the road without thinking. My impulsive ways are not just foolish but also dangerous, aren't they? Thank you for all the times you've saved me from myself. I know there is a wiser, safer way, and I'm on it when I'm right on the heels of my faithful guide--you.

RECEIVING GOD'S DAILY GUIDANCE

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him-

the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,

the Spirit of counsel and of might,

the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord.

-ISAIAH 11:2 NIV

Father, I admit that I turn some things that should be "no-brainers" into "rocket science projects" when it comes to your daily guidance. There are some things that you tell me clearly in your Word, but in my desire to skirt around the truth, I manage all kinds of mental gymnastics and contortions to find a different answer. Please forgive me for turning my back on your clear instructions in my attempt to rewrite your will. Help me trust that the guidelines you have in place truly are for my benefit and not to deprive me of happiness. (You've proved as much over time.) Help me believe you-not second-guess you

RECEIVING GOD'S DAILY GUIDANCE

We learn about guidance primarily by learning about the Guide. It is the knowledge of God and His ways with men which ultimately gives us stability in doing His will.

--SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON, "DISCOVERING GOD'S WILL"

Thank you for the wise people in my life, Lord Jesus, who offer insight as I consider what I should do right now. But now I want to bring all of the thoughts and opinions they offered to you. I need your help in sifting through what is worth keeping and what I should leave behind. I know your Word is a perfect filter and that your Spirit will lead me into all truth, as you promised he would. It may take some time,but I am certain you will guide me to a good decision.

A person once told me, "When I give you advice, treat it like eating fish: Digest what is helpful, and then throw away the bones."

RECEIVING GOD'S DAILY GUIDANCE

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

- Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

Father, help me remember how willing you are to give me the direction and wisdom I need to get through each day. Help me learn to seek you in prayer as a first resort for the questions I have or challenges I face, rather than running to you only when I'm worried or at my wit's end. You and I both know how I go a little too far in my tendency to try doing things on my own. If nothing else, maybe the motivation of slowing down any gray hairs will help me change my ways! How well you know me, Father, and how kindly you look after me. Thank you for guiding me.

 

As I spend time with you, Lord, in prayer and in your Word, I learn more about you and what you are like. It changes me, moves my perspective closer to the truth, and it transforms the way I understand how you work in my life. Please continue to disclose yourself to me as I learn to follow your direction and trust your guidance. It's a process I look forward to continuing all the days of my life.

REST IN ME, MY CHILD

REST IN ME, MY CHILD. Give your mind a break from planning and trying to anticipate what will happen. Pray continually, asking My Spirit to take charge of the details of this day. Remember that you are on a journey with Me. When you try to peer into the future and plan for every possibility, you ignore your constant Companion, who sustains you moment. As you gaze anxiously into the distance, you don't even feel the strong grip of My hand holding yours. 
     Remembrance of Me is a daily discipline. Never lose sight of My Presence with you. This will keep you resting in Me all day, every day.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:17;  PSALM 62:5

RECEIVING GOD'S DAILY GUIDANCE

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. --James 1:5-6 NKJV

 

Father< I’m realizing that leaning into you is truly trusting you. I’m seeing that praying for more strength to face the day so that I can go it alone is missing my opportunity to lean into your strength that lifts me up, even carries me. And in that leaning, Lord, the relationship grows between us as my trust in you deepens. Please help me lean into you more fully today, finding fellowship with you as you give me your wisdom and strength along this path of life.

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. --PROVERBS 3:5-6 NIV

RECEIVING GOD'S DAILY GUIDANCE

Notion your mind with the idea that God is there. If once the mind is notioned along the line, then when you are in difficulties, it is as easy as breathing to remember-- Why, my Father knows all about it!” OSWALD CHAMBERS, MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST thoughts and ways. 

 

Father, I understand from reading your Word that just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so your thoughts are higher than my thoughts and your ways better than my ways. I just want to tell you right now how grateful I am that you have not left me to muddle about in my own thoughts and ways. I chuckle (and cringe sometimes) when I think of the situational pickles I’ve gotten myself into when doing my own thing. I want to thank you that you don’t just stand above me with your great thoughts and ways, shaking your head, but that in your uniquely kind and gentle approach, you offer your wisdom and guidance whenever I look to you and ask for help.

 

God reveals his greatness to us not to intimidate us, but to invite us to trust in him more than we already do.

SEEK TO LIVE IN MY LOVE

SEEK TO LIVE IN MY LOVE, which covers a multitude of sins: both yours and others'. Wear My Love like a cloak of Light, covering you from head to toe. Have no fear, for perfect Love decimates fear. Look at other people through lenses of Love; see them from My perspective. This is how you walk in the Light, and it pleases Me.
     I want My body of believers to be radiant with the Light of My Presence. How I grieve when pockets of darkness increasingly dim the Love-Light. Return to Me, your First Love! Gaze at Me in the splendor of holiness, and My Love will once again envelop you in Light.

1 PETER 4:8;  1 JOHN 4:18;  REVELATION 2:4

RECEIVING GOD'S DAILY GUIDANCE

Lord, the older I get, the more challenging I find it to make big changes in my life. Transitions can be great stressors, but I know they can also turn into wonderful opportunities. Help me have eyes of hope and a heart of anticipation so that I can turn my face toward the changes you bring and smile at them, even as I may be grieving the loss of some of the old things. Remind me that you are already there in the changes, that you have ample grace and comfort for me along the way as I learn to trust you in my new circumstances.

 

The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. --Isaiah 58:11 NKJV

RECEIVING GOD'S DAILY GUIDANCE

Lord, my days are filled with so many different kinds of choices! There are at least a dozen laundry soaps I can choose from at the store. There are several different ways I might order my day. There are choices to make about my budget. And there are times when I feel myself pausing in a conversation, wondering whether to say a certain thing or not. I realize that some of these choices matter more than others--some have to do with what’s right and wrong, while others are just about preferences and druthers. As I consider this, I need your guidance each day to help me discern, moment-to-moment, when I am at a juncture that matters and when I should carefully choose what to say or do next. 

 

I have a friend whose rule to live by when faced with a difficult choice is “Do the next right thing.” When what is right is apparent, the choice becomes simple (though not always easy). “But,” she tells me, “doing the next right thing leaves me with fewer regrets and better sleep at night.”

THIS IS THE WAY; WALK IN IT

Heavenly Father, when I face big decisions, I am often afraid to move forward. When I feel paralyzed by indecision, remind me that no matter which job I take or which town I move to or which house I live in, you are with me. Thank you that your will for my life doesn’t ultimately lie in particulars but rather in the forming of my character to become more like you. That’s the direction I need in which I always need to be moving. Thank you for leading me in your path of righteousness. 

 

We may wonder, “What is God’s will for my life?” as if it were a series of “right” places to be and “right” work to be doing. But God’s big-picture will is that we learn to love him and be loved by him. From within that loving relationship, then, he often allows us freedom to decide where we will live and work as we grow in our relationship with him.

 

And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)

I WANT YOU TO BE ALL MINE

I WANT YOU TO BE ALL MINE, filled with the Light of My Presence. I gave everything for you by living as a man, then dying for your sins and living again. Hold back nothing from Me. Bring your most secret thoughts into the Light of My Love. Anything you bring to Me I transform and cleanse from darkness. I know everything about you, far more than you know of yourself. But I restrain My yearning to "fix" you, waiting instead for you to come to Me for help. Imagine the divine restraint this requires, for I have all Power in heaven and on earth.
     Seek My Face with a teachable spirit. Come into My Presence with thanksgiving, desiring to be transformed.

MATTHEW 28:18;  PSALM 100:4

RELAX IN MY HEALING

RELAX IN MY HEALING, holy Presence. Be still while I transform your heart and mind. Let go of cares and worries so that you can receive My Peace. Cease striving, and know that I am God.
     Do not be like Pharisees who multiplied regulations, creating their own form of "godliness." They got so wrapped up in their own rules that they lost sight of Me. Even today, man-made rules about how to live the Christian life enslave many people. Their focus is on their performance, rather than on Me.
     It is through knowing Me intimately that you become like Me. This requires spending time alone with Me. Let go, relax, be still, and know that I am God.

PSALM 46:10 NASB;  1 JOHN 3:2

I AM INVOLVED

I AM INVOLVED in each moment of your life. I have carefully mapped out every inch of your journey through this day, even though much of it may feel haphazard. Because the world is in a fallen condition, things always seem to be unraveling around the edges. Expect to find trouble in this day. At the same time, trust that My way is perfect, even in the midst of such messy imperfection.
     Stay conscious of Me as you go through this day, remembering that I never leave your side. Let the Holy Spirit guide you step by step, protecting you from unnecessary trials and equipping you to get through whatever must be endured. As you trudge through the sludge of this fallen world, keep your mind in heavenly places with Me. Thus the Light of My Presence shines on you, giving you Peace and Joy that circumstances cannot touch.

PSALM 18:30;  ISAIAH 41:13

JUNE 2017

"For I am the LORD, your God, who

takes hold of your right hand and says

to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

ISAIAH 41:13