Peace.

What is it you see? Is it peaceful and tranquil, a momentary leaving of the hustle and bustle? All around you is God's creations and His Joy is watching you enjoy it with Him. 

Romans chapter 8 verses 5 and 6.

Those who let themselves be controlled by their lower natures live only to please themselves, but those who follow after the Holy Spirit find themselves doing those things that please God. Following after the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace, but following after the old nature leads to death, because the old sinful nature within us is against God. It never did obey God's laws and it never will. That is why those who are still under the control of their old sinful selves, bent on following their old evil desires, can never please God. 

What does peace look like to you? Are you a restless person, filled with racing thoughts that bounce from one scenario to the next? Does minding your own business help? How many people influence your life?

   We have so much compassion for others. It is in us to care for others and be concerned about their well-being. For instance family, parents and close friends. Then there are those who happen to be in our immediate space, who we form an opinion about and maybe voice our feelings with. Then there is multi-media. The television and internet fill our thoughts and consume our time with never ending information. There is also financial worries that lead to anxieties over should we get that or do this. Will there be enough? 

   Without God we deal with all this as we think is best. Basing our decisions on past experiences or the experiences of others who share their solutions. But with God we are asked to trust in Him. That does not mean we sit back and hope for the best. We still live in this world where taking care of yourself is always first and that can mean we are vulnerable. 

   As a child of God, you become filled with righteous living, where God is involved in all you do. Will you have worry? You bet you will, but you step back and bring it to God, knowing that it is He who will provide you with patience and peace. We make mistakes and wrong decisions. We know we are not perfect, but as Christ followers we are walking in the paths of Jesus, trusting God and filled with His Holy Spirit. 

   Psalms chapter 26 verses 8-12 say; "Lord, I love Your home, this place where the brilliant, dazzling splendor of Your presence lives. Do not treat me as a common sinner or murderer who plots against the innocent and demands bribes. No, I am not like that, O Lord; I try to walk a straight and narrow path of doing what is right; therefore in mercy save me. I publicly praise the Lord for keeping me from slipping and falling." 

   The joy of living in God's presence is the Holy Spirit alive inside you. No matter what is going on. No matter where you are. No matter how deep your concerns are, God is right there with you. He always knows your concerns, even if your thoughts are anxious, wanting relief right now. God's love for you never changes or falters. If anything it may be you who gets angry and all because you're demanding. 

   What is the Holy Spirit? He is God's love for you, alive inside your thankful heart. My troubles maybe different than yours. My concerns maybe different than yours and each of us handle things differently. War, famine and devastation can leave us filled with emotions, but for those with Christ, they are never alone. Jesus suffered and we do too, Jesus was raised up from the dead and you have been also. Jesus lives in the presence of God and you do to. Your joy and peace is in knowing God is with you, just as Jesus prayed all the time and trusted in God. 

   Can you control the outcome? Do you get frustrated, leaving you weary and feeling worn down? We need to laugh. We enjoy people and socializing. We need to be the ones who make the decisions as to how we act. Jesus did not miss a moment to enjoy people. Even when those people had bad intentions towards Him. He would have loved upon anyone if they would have turned and talked with Him. 

   The best friend anyone can have is God. To be filled with God means that Jesus has taken you into His flock and that His Holy Spirit is alive inside you. You are with them always, they are there with you in all you do. There is no better peace then to enjoy the life you have and love upon them just as Jesus loves upon you. Ephesians chapter 4 verse 2 says, "Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Try always to be led along together by the Holy Spirit, and so be at peace with each other." 

   Your joy is God and His mercies. Your happiness is Jesus and having life with the Holy Spirit. Attitudes, accusations and worries will never go away. But a righteous way of living is an overwhelming love to serve God. Enjoy everything you do with God. And with clear eyes, seek Jesus and know the peace of the Holy Spirit. 

   Thank You Father for Jesus. A day just doesn't feel right if it is not started or ended with You. 😊        

    

Psalms chapter 23 verse 4.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 

Psalms chapter 85 verses 10 and 11.

Mercy and truth have met together. Grim justice and peace have kissed! Truth rises from the earth and righteousness smiles down from heaven. 

Song of Solomon chapter 8 verse 7.

Many waters cannot quench the flame of love, neither can the floods drown it. If a man tried to buy it with everything he owned, he couldn't do it.