Peace while in Pieces

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
    With him at my right hand,

I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad

and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest secure
because you will not abandon me

to the realm of the dead,
    nor will you let your faithful one see decay.”  

Psalms 16:8-10

This verse was given to me more than 15 years ago when I was going through some hard times. It was a promise I held on to but never really understood until much later. I had focused on the line, “I will not be shaken” and took it to mean nothing in my world would be disrupted, my mind wouldn’t struggle to cope, and my heart wouldn’t be broken. That was not the case. Did God fail me or did I fail Him?  That was the question that filled my thoughts. The answer – Neither.

The peace of God is documented numerous times in the Bible but most of the time it is related to our relationship with God, each other, or as a state of being sustained by the Holy Spirit. Also, peace is said to be something found in our hearts and minds, not necessarily in our lives. In fact, the opposite is true; the Bible speaks of various sufferings we may endure such as periods of trial, fear, troubled hearts, strife, war, family disputes, mental confusion.  Peace from God is offered as something not as the world sees peace but something that passes human understanding.

Living on this earth means we are not yet living in the Kingdom of Heaven but  living in the kingdom of evil. That kingdom doesn’t have to rule the lives and hearts of believers. We may have to live here but we do not have to be overcome by the evil around us. We are told in Isaiah 54:17 that we may have firey arrows sent our way but they will not hit their mark. Will we have to duck, move out of the way, lift up a heavy shield, and will they startle us? Maybe… but those are outer affects that can never touch the peace in our hearts, minds and souls given from God.  When we find ourselves feeling broken, like we are in a thousand pieces,  we can trust that we are not broken and let the peace of God reign.

Below are some verses to help us hold on to the peace while in pieces.  I pray that God will help you shift your definition of peace and sing His praises through whatever is going on around you.

 

John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Romans 8:6

“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”

Philippians 4:7

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

 

**Lord, I thank you for providing peace in this world of evil. I know sometimes I forget that you really are in control and that you love me very much. Help me to not be afraid, dismayed, or waylaid from your plans even when I am faced with challenges. Forgive me for trying to make things better by my own hand and forgive me for not trusting you. Put a new song of praise in my heart and in my mouth that never stops with my love for you. **

 

Click here for link to a gripping, authentic cry for God’s help:  “I’ll Keep On” music video by NF

God’s Design for Balance

A few years back I was asked to assist a ministry in re-working their stated purpose and vision.  For years they had been known for the awesome teaching their leadership provided to their members and staff but felt like something was missing. As we prayed God revealed that teaching was only part of their mission. Teaching was encouragement for those already in and God was saying they also need to be reaching out. There it was, they’re new stated purpose – To Reach and To Teach. So many of us can get tunnel vision when we operate in the comfortable place of our strengths and gifting. But, God really wants us to be in balance so we can operate in His fullness. 

Last week I sprained my right index finger.  I wish I had a cool story about a trigger malfunction at the gun range but sadly it just bent the wrong way as I picked up a grocery bag. Being right handed and typing a lot at work I knew this was not going to be a good recovery process. You’d be surprised how much you rely a part of your body until it’s not available. You’d also be surprised at how weak some parts are when not used regularly. I had to modify many aspects of my life and use other fingers and my other hand to accomplish tasks my right index finger and other hand were already so good at.   Here’s a test for you… Fold your arms in front of you.  Now try and fold them with the other hand tucked inside.  See what I mean?  Did you feel uncoordinated and silly?  Try opening a can or  bottle with your other hand… Talk about the kryptonite effect.  I felt like a weakling.  

Like the adjustments needed for my finger injury, this ministry went through some changes as they exercised new found spiritual muscles. They were certainly better off in the end when they realized they already had members of their with the willingness and gifts to accomplish the tasks.  These dear ones had been on the sidelines waiting to be called on; sadly the team had unknowingly let them become weakened while not in use.  

Are there some areas in your own life you need to put into balance and exercise the other side?  Are you in a group where some members are not being used to their full potential because of a one sided focus?  Seek God, as I did with this ministry, and He will show you where balance is needed.

“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament,grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

Ephesians 4:16

 **Lord, thank you for gifting me for your purposes. I know you are faithful to complete the work you have begun in me and I long to be whole. Help me to see where I am out of balance in my life. Help me be courageous as I begin to strengthen those areas and feel weak and silly. Forgive me for overlooking those around me that are different than me but part of your body and spirit. Make as one, joined by our love for you. ** 

Click here for link to see: God’s Gift of Balance