"When peace like a river attendeth my way."
What great value this phrase holds in my heart right now. To be completely honest the past several weeks have been somewhat challenging for me. I can't put my finger on one specific cause but it seems to be an accumulation of all the little things. Perhaps the lack of sleep, overwhelming business of 18 credits, the constant overbooking of my time, the continual let down on summer jobs, the relationships I wish I could invest more in, the unawareness of God in the everyday moments, the questions and preparation for an international mission trip.. you get the drift. Time is of the essence lately.
But then I realize we all have the same amount of time. Every single person has 24 hours in a day, 7 days to a week, 365 days to a year. The continual longing to have simply one more hour of the day or one more day to the weekend does nothing other than living an unfulfilled void. Instead of laying out my every moment (which I am known to do sadly) I have been learning I must find peace from day to day and when that is hard in each moment and situation.
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." -Colossians 3:15
Let this peace that Christ is above all and through all and in all dwell and rule in my heart and therefore create unity among the one body of believers. While reflecting on this verse (and larger passage) the word let kept jumping out to me. Let, allow, permit.. the definition of let is "not prevent or forbid." So often I prevent and forbid the peace of Christ to take control of my heart and guide me even though I know that would be easier and more helpful for both God and I. I must tear down the walls of pride, business, and anxiousness, and allow the overwhelming peace of Christ rule in my heart and attendenth my way like a river.
Yet it doesn't stop their. The subtle yet beautiful last three words of this verse are so great, "And be thankful." Be thankful, be thankful, be thankful. I am thankful for the peace I am granted even when I don't permit it. I am thankful for the one body I have for support, comfort, and encouragement. I am thankful for Jesus Christ being an atoning sacrifice that allows peace to be possible. Be thankful for life and life to its fullest through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit instilled by God.
Friends, let the peace of Christ be your saving grace this week. Don't forbid it rather let it flow like a river and attendeth your way in your heart. Yet don't forget to be thankful in all :)Labels: faith, God, Guatemala, Peace, spirituality, thankfulness
