One of the pearls of wisdom I took from this summer is the desire and need for peace to rule in my life
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Couple this with peace being in the list of those desirable fruits of the spirit and you begin to see the absolute necessity of the attribute of peace centering our lives. The listing of peace as one of the fruits should create a drive-a desire for peace to be our state of being. Surely we all can agree, as Believers, it would be desirable, at a minimum, to seek and live in the state of these attributes God has listed?
My spirit has an overwhelming need for peace to rule in my comings and goings, and in my thoughts and actions. Peace is not only knowing and resting in the fact that God is by our side, but also living this peace out. If we do not have peace, what do we have--conflict, discord, dissidence, strife, trouble, tumult, turmoil, unrest, upheaval, fighting, warfare, combat... It does not take a rocket scientist to understand we had rather live in accord, amity, concord, harmony, calm, quiet, serenity, tranquility, order, stability.. The very words associated with peace bring a sense of quiet to my spirit.
The question becomes--what part is our responsibility in allowing peace to center our daily walk. Do we have to perhaps not only do our part, but step beyond that mid line and do more than our part in order to have peace between us and others? Does God expect or perhaps require us to give up our grudges, our need for our perception of justice, our desire to sit on the judgement seat? Is it more important for us to require others to acknowledge their mis-doings to us or for us to forgive as we have been forgiven?
In these final chapters, I have not only a desire to finish well, but to also be at peace with those God has placed in my life. My peace with God is dependent upon my peace with others. Do you remember the lyrics of that wonderful hymn-
"Peace! Peace! wonderful peace,
coming down from the Father above;
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray,
In Fathomless billows of love."
What a beautiful state of being---peace. God's desire for those He loves.
"If possible, so far as it depends on you,
live peaceably with all."
Romans 12:18
I understand and share your longing for peace. My challenge at times is to quit chasing it and let it come to me. God bless you and your writings.
ReplyDeleteEva
DeleteThere's nothing more desirable for me than to experience the peace of God that passes all understanding.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Lulu!
And you lead me to remember one of my favorite passages - John 14:27 ... 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.'
ReplyDeleteAs a person who is not naturally peaceful, this Scripture has been a lifeline ... and the fruit of the Spirit reminds me that in Christ, that peace is already mine.
Thanks for taking us there this weekend, Lulu. I hope you're having a good one.
The Bible, fellowship with other Christians, time spent in prayer, these things nurture peace in me and are necessary for me so I don't get too caught up in the world's madness.
ReplyDelete