Still Waters

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Tribulation and trials…two words that we all dread to hear and try to avoid at all costs.  When we are crawling in our darkest valleys and our situation is desperate, we long for God’s peace.  We crave it.  Our sanity is literally hanging on a thread, depending on the ultimate peace of God…the peace that so many people talk about, yet few actually experience.  I honestly didn't understand why that was until my life began a downward spiral a few years ago.  Reflecting back, I realize that I have been tried practically in every aspect of my life – finances, career, school, family, sickness, friendships, longing for a romantic relationship, personal & spiritual warfare, etc.  Honestly, I wouldn't change a thing.  Yes, as a result of these struggles I am worn and tired, however I have learned how to find the indescribable peace that my Jehovah Shalom offers to those who follow Him.

How does one find that peace?  True peace cannot be found except in a right relationship with God.  I see so many situations – even in my own family and friends – where people disregard that we are to live selfless lives and that we must die daily to our self and live for Christ’s glory alone.  As a result, they live their lives selfishly with little or no communication to their God and then when disaster strikes – they are desperate and longing for a peace that only God can give.  The apostle Paul writes, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.  The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me practice these things; AND THE GOD OF PEACE SHALL BE WITH YOU.” (Philippians 4:8-9)  Once we focus our minds on the things of God as opposed to the things of this world then God gives us a peace that does not alter, regardless of our circumstances, because the peace He gives is a permanent resident, dwelling inside us.

When the fierce waters of doubt are rising and the violent waves of fear are crashing in….where do you run?  For so long I ran into the arms of those around me, or I tried to stay afloat and figure things out on my own because I was too stubborn to cry out for help. 

 The prophet Isaiah wrote, “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)  There He is…Jesus….our Prince of Peace, our Jehovah Shalom.  Jehovah Shalom - who reconciles us to God.  Jehovah Shalom - who enables us to stand before the darkness of this world without consuming fear or worry.  I urge you, when your world seems to be caving in and everything is crumbling around you…run into the arms of Jesus Christ….our Prince of Peace…Jehovah Shalom. Therefore, when the oceans are rising and the waves are violently crashing down on you...you will not drown in sorrow or despair...but Christ will pick you up and bring you to His waters of peace...into His still waters.

“Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.” (Psalm 119:165)

Joyfully HIS,

Whit

My Daily Resolution

Well, it's a new year!  People around the globe are making resolutions and deciding how to better themselves based on their reflections of the previous year.  The repetitive resolutions of working out, eating healthier, traveling more, finding a significant other and the most famous one - losing weight!

As I sat down this morning preparing to begin reflecting on the last year of my life and what resolution I should make...God had a different plan for me this morning :)  He reminded me of His mercy, His compassion, His grace and His forgiveness.  He reminded me that I should treat every day as New Year's Day and sit and reflect on how I can better myself, but most importantly how I can glorify Him in my simple everyday routine.

It reminded me of the movie "Groundhog Day"; where the weatherman finds himself living the same day over and over again.  We should find ourselves waking up and reflecting how Christ wants to mold us to look more like Him each day.  We should have that "Groundhog" routine and reflect on Him over and over again. So instead of having a New Year's resolution, I wish to make daily resolutions and make the year 2013 a year to glorify God.

God also reminded me of the blessings He has gracefully given throughout the year.  This year was an extremely trying year - financially, emotionally, and most importantly spiritually.  I often found myself feeling worn out and sometimes numb from the stress I was under this year.  But God revealed to me a passage in His Word that reminded me that His mercies and faithfulness are everlasting and they are new each day!  He reminded me that even though I may be crawling through a valley, at the end of my journey is redemption's cross.  

Let's be realistic...this year - like every year - is going to have its ups and downs.  We will all have time in the valley and time on the mountain top.  I pray that when I am in that valley and I feel dry, worn, and weary, that I will remember that God is good and He is faithful and He is the light that I can cling to in the darkness.  That is my prayer for all of you as well.  

I pray that God moves in my life this year so radically that I presently cannot fully fathom the plan He holds for me.  I pray that I cling to my God's faithfulness when I am crawling through the dry and dark valley.  I pray that when life is good and I am abundantly blessed, that I will not forget the power of my Lord Jesus Christ.  Lastly I pray that in all things I do, think, and say - that God alone be glorified and that my life will illuminate the powerful name of Jesus Christ to all those I come in contact with.  

I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me :)  And I will definitely keep ya'll updated!  

Joyfully HIS,

Whit

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends!  His mercies never cease.  Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning." - Lamentations 3:22-23