At the end of a perfect Saturday, I sent up praise to God for all of the things that made that day perfect. Everything just went well. I woke up early in the morning feeling energetic. All of the things on my to-do list got finished--without injury or incident. Every meal I made tasted wonderful. The weather outside was perfectly comfortable. I felt good, really good! All praise to God for such a wonderful, beautiful day! This was a day the Lord made, and it was so, so good!
Why can't every day be like that?
I started thinking about the days leading up to that day and the fact that I can probably count on one, maybe 2 hands when I have experienced days were I had that much peace on my mind. Then, I realized that if I give myself over to God everyday, I will have the perfect peace I experienced on that beautiful, perfect day (yesterday as I am writing this, but by the time this will post a couple of weeks will have passed).
The Bible gives us all kinds of passages assuring us that God wants us to be in peace:
John 16:33 (NIV) “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.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV) " Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you."
Colossians 3:15 (NIV) " Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
John 14:27 (NIV) " 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."
Each of these verses are assurances of why God's people should have peace in their hearts.
Perhaps one of my favorites is a Psalm of David's--Psalm 23. The entire Psalm is short, but the emphasis here is the instruction David gives for rest:
1The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
God wants us to have peace in this world knowing that God will be with us in the dark times, walking beside us, guiding us, giving us peace.
Friends, even if you don't find your perfect day, put your faith in God's perfect plan. Lay your burdens down in the hands of the Lord and rest in God's peace...and at the end of that perfect day, praise Him.
Praying for your peace and rest,
Michelle
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