So of course, in thinking about peace I had to look up the passage that talks about peace that passeth all understanding. It's Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Great verse but then I noticed the "And" at the beginning of the verse which says that this verse is a continuation of a previous thought so I looked at the verse before it. "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." It's talking about prayer! I thought it was so cool how it tied prayer together with that kind of peace!!! Talk to God about EVERYTHING! Bring your requests, pain, joys, desires and needs to Him, with thanksgiving, and if you truly give it to Him in prayer, He promises this peace! The kind of peace that will keep your mind and hearts which says to me it will keep me from going crazy. lol!
Not just a neat thought but let me tell you from personal experience that it works. As I've worked at utilizing this thought more and more I've found more and more that I've had peace that I didn't have before. Peace in circumstances that I usually let run me ragged instead of just laying them at the Savior's feet. I just can't express how exciting this was to me and how even last night I reminded myself of it and it kept me from temptation. So I encourage you to start working on your prayer life. We're in the beginning of a brand new year and this is the perfect time to determine to start fresh in your relationship with Christ. As a friend of mine said,
"it's time to start planning to grow closer to Him not hit or miss
not "wow! how'd i get this back-slidden!"
not "i know i haven't been doing well, but i need you, Lord"
no, it's time for "hi there again, Lord"and "i know i just called but i wanted to talk to you again, Lord"
it's time to be friends again
it's time to make time for my best Friend nay
plan time
plan and keep it
and no i'm not saying i'll always do it right
i'm not saying i'll be super christian
super employee
super friend
super daughter
super servant
i'm just saying
i'm going to start planning to be striving to be expecting me to be and stop being satisfied with half a relationship ..."
This is my top goal for 2012. I hope it's yours too. Here's to full relationships with our Lord!
With Prayers, Sarah