”Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.“ John 14:27 NKJV
”Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.“ John 16:22-24 NKJV
”Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!“ Philippians 4:4 NKJV
”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.“Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
I love my tea time in the morning! It is when I slow down, do my Bible reading, have discussions with the Husband, maybe do some writing, and just enjoy the moment. We seem to start our daily activities later and later in the morning, but that is what retired people do I think. Not sure, as we have not been truly retired yet. But we are extending our morning quiet time. So that is a start.
Each verse above reminds me to be joyful. They remind me that life is more than busyness and distractions. It is about being in the moment. Being in the moment is a learning experience. You can tell me if I am wrong, but most of us live focused on future goals or dwelling on the past. We live with anxiety or regret when we do that. I have been there a lot. But part of the learning experience is figuring out how to shut those thoughts out and focus on the present. The best way I have figured out is by remembering to be joyful and thankful for where I am now. No matter how I got here, I am where I am and it is all part of the Creator’s plan for me.
And today it is sunny and warm. Spring is springing big time with daffodils, trillium, violets, and the leaves budding and opening on all the maples, alder, aspen, dogwood, and cottonwood trees. So beautiful!
Even as the world hurtles through war and political battles, there is peace in the present and in relying on God to do His will on this earth. I trust Him, His word, His promises. God has won the most important battle, the battle for our souls . . . When we follow Jesus, our eternal soul is safe and secure and death has no power over us. Follow Jesus! Rely on God!
Whatever things have virtue . . .