Tag Archives: peace

He Hasn’t Moved

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An added thought to my previous post…

As I mentioned previously, Ernie hasn’t moved. I have. He is right where he’s always been, waiting for me when I decide I have the time for him.

Horse waiting for a cowboy by aeruginosa

It’s often that way with God, too. He hasn’t moved. I have. 

I’m the one who chooses to forego my quiet time on occasion, to try to do things in my own strength or to let the busyness of life pull me away from my Center. All the while, God is patiently waiting for me — eagerly waiting for me — to draw near to him. He misses my dependence on him and I subconsciously do as well.

I know when I’ve moved away from God – I am more easily frazzled. I’m crabby. I have no peace. I’m impatient and short tempered. I see through people rather than into people. When I’m conscious enough to recognize these signs, I make every effort to move back toward God.

And find he’s right where he’s always been. Fully available to me.

Waiting for me.

Question: What are the signs in your life that you’ve moved away from God?

“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord.” Zechariah 1:3

Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. Hebrews 10:22 (NLT)

Isaiah 30:15 (NLT):  This is what the Sovereign Lord,
      the Holy One of Israel, says:
   “Only in returning to me
      and resting in me will you be saved.
   In quietness and confidence is your strength.

Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. Joel 2:13 (NLT)

An Assessment

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It’s that time of year, the perfect time to assess life. Where we’ve been and where we’d like to go. I suppose this is why so many of us make New Year’s Resolutions or why my previous post encouraged you to think about creating a life plan. Before I look forward, I wanted to take a few minutes to look back on 2010 – the good and the not-so-good.

In many respects, I will remember 2010 as a year of transition and challenge. A year of goodbyes. A year that taught me I can survive discomfort and pain. A year that testifies to God’s faithfulness.

It will also be the year I realized a dream. In Bruce Wilkinson’s book The Dream Giver, he tells us to expect challenges as we pursue our dreams. There will be obstacles that will test our perseverance and faith. We can choose to turn back or press on. Now that I have a new home, I’m glad I have persevered. I know there will be more challenges ahead because even dreams are not perfect. At least I know to continue and to lean on God when trying times come.

There are things that happened in 2010 that in retrospect I wish I had done differently or handled better. I hope that I’ve learned from those situations and will act differently when similar situations arise. As I think about those times, I realize there are two characteristics that I pray will develop more fully in me and my heart:

grace and gratitude.

Grace gives others and myself permission to be less than perfect. It helps me accept things, people and myself as we are. Grace and love go hand-in-hand. Grace preserves relationships; perfectionism and criticism tear them apart.

Gratitude helps me remember how fortunate I am. It helps me focus on what’s right with life rather than what might be wrong. Gratitude breeds contentment and peace - both of which are hugely important to our quality of life.

Taken together, I think grace and gratitude can help end the need to strive. Living in grace and gratitude, we don’t need to strive for position, wealth, acceptance or perfection. We can settle into who we were created to be, just as we are. That’s a great place to be.

Returning to the Lake

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(c) Amy S. Lewis, 2010

The local park where Ernie and I often ride has a couple of lakes along the trail. Every time we ride there, Ernie charges his way into one lake in particular. His enthusiasm is always puzzling to me though. You see, in all the rides at this park, Ernie has not once sipped from this lake. He acts like he’s going to drink, smells the water and then reconsiders. And yet, he returns to the lake with marked enthusiasm on every ride, only for his thirst to go unquenched.

Sun on the Lake from Swami Stream

Pursuing Temporary Fixes
It reminds me of how people seek contentment or pleasure by working for the next promotion, the bigger house or the next artificial high from gambling, alcohol or drugs, sex or over eating. The problem with this pursuit is that you’re never satisfied. There’s always another job or project or title to pursue. There’s always something material that lies just beyond your reach. And artificial highs come to an end and result in the need for more or stronger fixes to satisfy you temporarily. Each time we charge into the “lake” of worldly happiness or pleasure, we find ourselves empty and longing for more.

Lasting Peace
Our only source of lasting peace and contentment is God. We’ll never have peace apart from God because He created us to know Him and be in relationship with Him. He created us to worship Him. When we pursue goodness, godliness and His perfect will for our lives, then and only then will we be content. We may return to our vices, just like Ernie returns to the lake, only to be left empty and thirsty. For true and lasting peace, turn to the source of living water, Jesus Christ.

Is 30:15 (NLT): “The Sovereign Lord, the Holy one of Israel, says, ‘Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.’”

John 4:13-14 (NLT): “Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.’”

Questions for Reflection:
1. What worldly pursuits have left you empty and longing for more? Why did they or do they seem important to you?
2. In light of eternity, what pursuits need your attention?
3. What one thing can you do today to focus on God and bring your life more in line with his will for you?

Courage

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We headed out alone, as we often do. We were at a somewhat unfamiliar state forest. Ernie was afraid - so afraid I could feel him trembling beneath the saddle. It was an effort to get him to take a single step. Every fiber of his being wanted to retreat to the trailer. Every attempt to do so was met with a stern rein.

Take Courage

Ultimately, Ernie had to trust me and walk out. He did and as the ride progressed, he settled down. We had a peaceful, relaxing day together. We saw some amazing scenery. We connected like we seldom do.

Can you imagine how different the day would have been if Ernie had gotten his way and we turned around before starting out?

Stepping Out
How many times are we in that position? We are scared. We don’t want to take a step forward. We want to retreat to our comfort zones even though God is telling us to take that step out of the boat. It’s been said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, it’s acting in spite of your fears.”

But just like Ernie, as we begin walking on God’s path, we settle into a rhythm. We realize it’s not so bad, this direction that God is taking us. He gives us a peace. We continue walking, one step at a time in obedience until we reach our destination or a new place of comfort. We may even find the journey on the way to our destination enjoyable.

I think back on my nearly four months of living in transitional housing. After selling my house in June, I moved into a friend’s house. At the time, it was the worst thing I could imagine. I felt displaced, like I had nowhere to belong.

I didn’t want to go.

But I had to and I did. It was the path God wanted me to tread.

Now I look forward to my ultimate destination – my own little hobby farm. God had a place in mind for me all along – I just had to go through this journey, this process, before the house would become available. And as it turns out, the interim has been better than I had imagined.

Question: What in your life would you have missed out on if you had not had the courage to step out?

Deuteronomy 3:6 (NLT): So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.

1 Corinthians 16:13 (NLT): Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

Resting, Not Running

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Rest Area? from Joe Shlabotnik

In one month, I’m to close on my hobby farm. I’m excited and apprehensive. I’m overwhelmed by the impending responsibilities to care for the house, pasture, barn, etc. There’s painting and cleaning and repairing to do. Even simple tasks like going to the grocery store will take greater effort and planning from my more remote location. Life is about to radically change.

In the meantime, I want to set aside the to-do list and the crazy schedule and just be. Minimize the errands. Stop all the planning. If it’s not necessary, don’t do it. Reconnect with God. Rest.

 

Elijah
I felt led to read about Elijah, the prophet, in 1 Kings. On two separate occasions, Elijah withdrew from his responsibilities, society, life, for all intents and purposes. The first time, the Lord led him beside a brook, where the ravens brought him food, and later to live with a widow. For three years, he did nothing but sleep and eat apparently (1 Kings 17). The second of Elijah’s retreats was not God-ordained. Elijah fled to the desert out of fear. (1 Kings 19). He had given up, saying “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” (1 Kings 19:4) The Lord didn’t take his life. Rather, an angel came to him and told him to eat and sleep, eat and sleep, to prepare for a 40-day journey to Mt. Sinai. There the Lord spoke to him and told him to go back to Damascus – to re-engage in his responsibilities.

Resting or Running?
Elijah’s two retreats were very different. Elijah was at a different place spiritually, physically and emotionally when he withdrew on those two occasions. One time he was resting; the second time he was running from his problems. He was afraid. He was burnt out. Both times, the Lord graciously led him back when the time was right.

Resting, Not Running
I’ve run before. That’s not what this time is about for me. It’s about renewal and rest. Getting back to writing. Looking inside myself for what really matters. Figuring out what’s important to me without any influence from those around me.

It’s time to wait expectantly on God. It’s time to reflect on all God’s blessings and thank him for answered prayers and fulfilled dreams.

Question: Where are you at today? Are you running, resting or fully engaged in life?

A Spiritual Reboot

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Nothing brings me back to center than spending time on the trails with Ernie by myself. I need that “spiritual reboot” now. I’m frazzled by work demands and the hobby farm purchase. It seems my brain is in high gear all the time.

It’s time to turn it off. Ernie and I are going on a day-long retreat tomorrow (shh, he doesn’t know yet). I’m letting God lead me beside still waters.

Resting in Peace and Love By Robert Snache - Spirithands.net

Rather than a full-system shutdown, this weekend will be a time for a partial reboot – a restart, if you will. Within a few weeks I hope to spend an entire weekend in the secluded northwoods to truly shutdown. It sounds wonderful.

Michael Hyatt offers tips on getting the most from a spiritual retreat/reboot that I found valuable. Perhaps you will too.

Question: What tips might you have for me to get the most out of my retreat? What do you do to get away from it all and reconnect with God?

Peace~

Related posts:
Needing a Break

Attached to the Vine

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I was in denial. I saw the signs but subconsciously chose to ignore them. And then, one after another, people voiced that which I denied.

“You don’t seem to have that peace you’ve had in the past.”

“I sense frustration surrounding you.”

“You’re not trusting God.”

Losing Sight
In the past several months, I’ve been consumed by to-do lists and planning for and then moving. Ever so gradually, the activity caused me to take my eyes off from the Source of strength and peace.

Grapes by by Zest-pk

Staying Attached to the Vine
Writing this blog has become a challenge in the past few weeks. I thought because I was busy. The truth is, it’s been hard because I’ve lost my focus. I’ve not stayed attached to the vine as John 15 instructs us:

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:1-5 (NLT)

It’s true that the closer I am to Jesus, the more fruitful my life is in every regard. My relationships are more enjoyable and peace-filled. My work seems less laborious and more fun. I’m more productive. And writing is a breeze because my heart and mind are fixed on Jesus and where he’s leading me. He gives me ideas and illustrations, and I long to write because it’s when I’m closest to him (except when I’m out with Ernie). It seems I have an endless stream of topics to share. I love it.

Pruning
This season in my life has truly been one of pruning. And, naturally, it doesn’t feel good. We tend to turn from the painful or the uncomfortable and I’m no different. Rather than causing me to bear more fruit, I feel like the pruning is bringing out the worst in me. Perhaps because I’m just in the midst of it? I hope and pray that this season of pruning will cause me to be a better person in the long run. I trust that God that it will.

So, if you’ve missed my more frequent posts, now you know why. If you’ve sensed uneasiness in my spirit, your assessment is accurate. But I’m on my way back. I’ve recognized that my separation from the vine is causing me heartache and stressing everything and every relationship in my life.

Draw Near
I’m off to spend the afternoon wandering with God, wandering wherever He leads. I trust His word that says, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” (James 4:8-9)

I’ve been humbled, now’s the time to draw near. I’m curious, how do you draw near to God? When you’re feeling far from God, what draws you back toward Him?

If you would, please pray that my faith would be renewed and that I would stay attached to the vine consistently. And because I don’t say it enough, thank you for spending some time with me, whether this is your first time or your 100th time here. I appreciate you and thank God for you.

Perfect Peace

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There’s a verse that I often repeat to myself:

Isaiah 26:3 (NLT):
You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Perfect peace.

It seems like an out-of-reach place/thing/state sometimes. On our own, in our society, perfect peace is incomprehensible to most. On your own accord, are you able to attain perfect and lasting peace?

The key to lasting, perfect peace is the second part of the verse – we need to trust God and fix our thoughts on Him. If we’re stressed and anxious, we are not trusting God. If we can train our brains to turn our attention and focus toward God when we are unsettled, he will calm us and help us focus, rationalize and survive. The Holy Spirit cannot move amidst our anxiety and fear. It is inconsistent with who he is.

Recently, I was caught in a flurry of negative emotions towards myself and others. Then the Christian radio station came on and almost instantaneously my edginess and defensiveness began to melt away. The music turned my thoughts towards God. He entered into my thinking and diffused my emotions, bringing a measure of peace. It was a marked difference.

As much as we are able, in the power of the Spirit, we need to change our thinking from worry to trust – fixing our thoughts on God, not our circumstances. Then and only then will we have perfect peace.

Ernie’s Fear

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(c) Amy S. Lewis, 2010

Ernie has a few very irrational fears. Boulders. Tree stumps. I don’t understand why he fears those things. It’s a little discouraging actually because his fears tell me he doesn’t fully trust me to lead him safely. Many of us fear heights, spiders, snakes or flying. While they are very real to us, some would say these fears are irrational as well.

Horse..fear from katefilipi

There’s one fear that is not irrational, but it’s seldom seen in our society. A fear of the Lord.

Proverbs tells us, “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.” (9:10). And Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 says, “Fear God and obey his commands for this is the duty of every person. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.”

Fear Grounded in Respect and Awe
We are to fear God, but not as Ernie cowers at a rock or I scream at a snake. Fear of the Lord is grounded in respect, in knowing that God is in control of every circumstance – he holds life and breath for every living being in his hands. We should fear him because he is perfect and holy, and in comparison, we fall short. We are not to be ashamed of ourselves but be in awe of God because of his perfection, patience, grace and mercy.

We should also fear him because he will judge us one day. If we have a true fear of the Lord and an ever-present realization that he knows everything we say and do, we may be more reluctant to gossip or judge someone. Perhaps we’d be more willing to share our faith with those who do not yet believe. God’s treatment of nonbelievers on judgment day will be a truly fearful scene. He will separate them like chaff from wheat and throw them into the lake of fire. The thought of that should instill the fear of the Lord in anyone.

Do Not Be Afraid
There are also many times when the Bible tell us “do not be afraid.” In context, God is telling us not to fear people, or sickness or death or financial lack. Fear only him and he will subdue your other fears and give you peace. Trust him to lead you and protect you.

Isaiah 26:3 (NLT): You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Questions for reflection:
1. What fears affect your horse? How does it make you feel when your horse fears something?
2. What does it mean to you to fear the Lord? What does it look like to you?
3. How do you describe someone who fears God? What character traits could you model in your own life?

Which is it?

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I’m perplexed.
It often happens when I face a major life decision. I pray asking God to show me his will. James 1:5 says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” God, please give me wisdom. Soon!

I’ve gone round and round, analyzing the whys, what fors, shoulds and should nots of this decision and still it’s not clear what I should do. I’m trying to be patient and wait on God’s direction. The waiting is stressing me out.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.”

I don’t have a lot of peace around the situation.

Here’s the dilemma:
Am I not at peace about this decision because God is telling me that saying yes would be wrong? Or am I not at peace because I have listened to the devil’s lies that tell me I don’t deserve this, I can’t afford it, it’s impractical or it doesn’t honor God? The devil, after all, doesn’t want us to be happy or see our dreams come true and I am well-versed at believing Satan’s lies.

So, which is it? I’m torn. God, please give me wisdom!

Would you mind praying for me to know God’s will? Perhaps God will give you insight on my behalf.

John 8:44 (NLT): “[The devil] was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NLT): “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”