The subject of peace reappears this week. Although I understand peace intellectually, it often escapes me in practice. God’s peace sustains no matter what. Why do I allow each thing that comes into my life disturb me? What is it about the slightest difficulty that causes me to lose my serenity?
Moses told Joshua, "The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."
If I can remember that the Lord goes ahead, there is no need to fear or allow myself to be robbed of peace. I fail but God does not. If I believe that He never forsakes me, there is no reason to lose peace. I need to practice the discipline of peace.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Maintaining joy
I'm looking forward to going away this week. We attend a conference every February in Elkton, Maryland. It's always a great time. The best part of the week is spending time with friends we don't see often.
Sometimes, being away from daily routine helps me find perspective. Sometimes, I even locate my joy. Dwayne preached a great sermon this morning on joy. He contrasted joy with happiness. Happiness is dependent on circumstances. It's external and moves inward. (I'm happy because everything is going my way.) Joy, on the other hand, comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit and works its way outwards. It's not dependent on circumstance. Joy can be experienced during difficult situations. Dwayne was born joyful. It's his nature but he continues to grow in that grace. I'll never catch up but it's important for me to look for and experience God’s joy. Nehemiah said this: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
If joy is my strength, then I need to defend it.
Sometimes, being away from daily routine helps me find perspective. Sometimes, I even locate my joy. Dwayne preached a great sermon this morning on joy. He contrasted joy with happiness. Happiness is dependent on circumstances. It's external and moves inward. (I'm happy because everything is going my way.) Joy, on the other hand, comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit and works its way outwards. It's not dependent on circumstance. Joy can be experienced during difficult situations. Dwayne was born joyful. It's his nature but he continues to grow in that grace. I'll never catch up but it's important for me to look for and experience God’s joy. Nehemiah said this: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
If joy is my strength, then I need to defend it.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Winter
Winter is my nemesis. I’m not fond of cold weather and I detest dreary gray days that seem to pile up December through February. I am solar powered. When the sun is out, I run errands so I can soak in the sunshine. This winter has been worse than most. Haven’t felt like myself lately. Even Dwayne thinks I’ve been more irritable than usual all winter. (He’s not inclined to mention those things.) His comment gave me the key. First, it’s winter. There is not enough light. Second, a change in my medication has been counterproductive. Third, I’ve neglected my spiritual disciplines as well—reading my Bible, studying, prayer and quiet time (no TV/radio/music).
It feels good to identify the problem. Now I can find a solution. Exercise improves my mood. Getting outside for a few minutes also lightens my disposition. Writing always helps. Keeping in touch with my friends is important. I isolate myself when I’m blah. Most importantly, I need to remember that my spiritual life is a relationship, not something that I pick up and put down like a magazine. It’s my lifeline. It’s time to check the connections.
In John 15, Jesus says: Remain in Me, and I in you. As the branch is not able to bear fruit of itself, unless it remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one abiding in Me, and I in him, this one bears much fruit, because apart from Me you are not able to execute, nothing.
It feels good to identify the problem. Now I can find a solution. Exercise improves my mood. Getting outside for a few minutes also lightens my disposition. Writing always helps. Keeping in touch with my friends is important. I isolate myself when I’m blah. Most importantly, I need to remember that my spiritual life is a relationship, not something that I pick up and put down like a magazine. It’s my lifeline. It’s time to check the connections.
In John 15, Jesus says: Remain in Me, and I in you. As the branch is not able to bear fruit of itself, unless it remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one abiding in Me, and I in him, this one bears much fruit, because apart from Me you are not able to execute, nothing.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Grace and life
February is here already. I had a productive January. I played for 2 college auditions as well as ongoing rehearsals for the musical. I am taking a class called Organized by Design, taught by Cyndy Saltzmann. It is very helpful. I’m learning to work with my personality instead of against it. I’m also learning how to set goals with my strengths/weaknesses in mind. Thanks, Cyndy!
The kids are well. Joshua is working and loving it. Aaron is heading out to drill this week from February 3rd -8th. Becky loves her new job. Dwayne is busy with church as we purchase a piece of property and with work at school.
I need to remember that turning to God when things are going well is as important as when life is difficult. Comfort makes me lazy. I want my heart to always yearn for God, no matter my circumstances. Even if I don’t acknowledge it, my very being depends on God. Every breath, every thought, every prayer and every moment of my life depends on his grace. I want to be aware of the connection between my whole life and God’s love and grace.
But to each one of us was given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Eph. 4:7
The kids are well. Joshua is working and loving it. Aaron is heading out to drill this week from February 3rd -8th. Becky loves her new job. Dwayne is busy with church as we purchase a piece of property and with work at school.
I need to remember that turning to God when things are going well is as important as when life is difficult. Comfort makes me lazy. I want my heart to always yearn for God, no matter my circumstances. Even if I don’t acknowledge it, my very being depends on God. Every breath, every thought, every prayer and every moment of my life depends on his grace. I want to be aware of the connection between my whole life and God’s love and grace.
But to each one of us was given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Eph. 4:7
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