Mind Calming Peace
As I started preparing this devotion tonight, I've had a hard time focusing on God. I've currently been experiencing an onslaught of verbal and written attacks and it's becoming exhausting. It's hard not to be drawn back to the painful scenarios. That coupled with physical pain and fatigue... it's a recipe for a melt down!
I finally closed my eyes, repented for not giving Jesus the attention He deserved and then I called out to Him! I told Him that I needed to see Him... I needed to see Him right in the midst of the storm, I had to feel His presence and see His hand at work in my own heart and mind. I want to reflect His nature and love even when pressure is applied... ESPECIALLY when pressure is applied!
He tells us to cast our cares on Him. So, I tell Him my problems, hand them over and focus completely on Him and His love for me. It's not easy, but as I do, the pain is then exchanged for His incredible peace, love and forgiveness.
What could have turned into a night of lying awake, getting angry or wallowing in self-pity and offense, quickly turned into a glorious time of worship with the Lord. If we'll just choose to pursue Him instead of the negative thoughts that are raging within our minds, those periods of stress, disappointment and anxiety will begin to fade as His glory begins to take center stage. He tells us to think on what is lovely, pure and good. Yes, we are affected by the attacks from people and circumstances more often than we care to admit, but He's prepared a shield that protects us from the fiery darts of despair.
Stay focused on Him and you'll hardly notice the enemy's schemes... at least they will no longer control your mind and emotions. Give the weights you've been carrying to Jesus and breathe as you experience freedom and peace in His presence!!
Psalm 55:22 (NKJV) Cast your burden on the Lord and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Philippians 4:4-9 (NKJV) Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
1 Peter 5:6-9 (NKJV) Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
