Over Thanksgiving break I took some time to reflect and more recently I took some time to remember what I was about. Advent is an invitation to remember the Kingdom of God has not already come and gone, but it is here and available. I had made mention a while back about this being one of the most challenging years I’ve lived. My families business had a major shift in 2014, we launched software that was designed to help us stay relevant in today’s electronic age and bring about efficiency in our work flow. It stole my peace. I worked around the clock for 10 1/2 straight months. 6 days off. No weekends. No vacations. I signed up for it, as a matter of fact, I helped choose the software program. I knew (kinda) what I was getting into and knew I was going to have to make some sacrifices this year. It made me weary and I got lost in it and my peace was stolen. But have no fear, God is near.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~Phillippians 4:4-7
I’m reading a devotion this Advent season called “Come Lord Jesus Come” by Nathan Sherman & Will Walker. This last weeks focus was on PEACE. Do we seek comfort in this world or do we seek redemption? Are you wanting the peace of God without having to submit to the God of Peace? When you seek the God of peace you get the peace of God.
In a season where my time was taken and seeking the God of peace was limited, I realized that once you have given your heart to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, that peace is always at hand. With my life submitted to the God of Peace, His resources are always available to me. Peace was there with each hour on the computer, with each difficult conversation, with each headache, with each challenge. Peace.
I decided a long time ago to leave the bystanders and join the company of those that carry the cross. I invite you today, on this third Sunday in Advent to join me. Peace is at hand.
Dear Lord, Your kingdom is coming to earth as it is in heaven. But I am preoccupied with my own little realm of activity and concern. I want to turn aside, to leave the ranks of the bystanders and join the work of your kingdom. Let me thoughts and activities be about you. Be about your kingdom. Be about your joy. Be about your peace. I accept your invitation and gladly join your Holy Spirit to my humble spirit. (adapted prayer from the devotional)
Bless.
p.s. check out that instagram pic over there to your left…yep that’s my new dining room table and while I am looking forward to dining around it, mostly I was excited for that activity in that pic to happen. My favorite thing to do at the dining room table…bible and coffee and writing.
P.
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