I have been participating in a Bible study based on this set of books I purchased at Dollar Tree.
This week I am studying Peace.
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.” Colossians 3:15-16
Changes in my life in recent months have made it difficult to feel at peace and allow it to rule my heart. I found myself feeling alone, feeling neglected, and feeling like things would never be resolved enough to feel at peace with my life.
Then, in January of this year I began a daily practice of reading and studying God’s word. I begin each morning by showering, getting dressed, and retreating to “MY” room- my sanctuary. There on the desk I have whatever devotional materials I am using at the time, a variety of pens, pencils, inks, and several Bibles. I pray, I read, I focus, and I do some type of reflection whether it be a simple copying of a key verse, a short paragraph, or an actual artistic entry into a journaling Bible.
This daily practice has helped me to discover truths that God placed in his word- truths that have helped me realize things about God, things about myself, and things about peace.
William James said, “The person who has daily inured himself to habits of concentrated attention, energetic volition and self-denial will stand like a tower when everything rocks about him and when his softer fellow mortals are winnowed like chaff in the blast. Sow an action and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.”
Through the daily action of reading and studying my Bible I have developed not only a HABIT, but a CHARACTER- a character that is stronger and more at peace.
I have come to realize that we cannot FIND peace- it was never lost!
It has always been there for us, in the open arms of God. He stands there, ready and willing to take on whatever our troubles may be. We only need to be willing to step into that embrace and REST in HIS peace!
He IS our peace! We do not need to be troubled. We do not need to focus on the daily turmoil in our lives. We need only to study his word and take to heart the many lessons that he has provided for us. We need to develop a routine of RESTING in the peace that he provides and being THANKFUL for the things that he has given to us.
Just as any habit takes work- this habit of resting in God’s peace takes work, but it can be such a blessing! From that blessing we will reap the destiny of God’s spiritual fruits.
Renewal and Refuge 