Inner peace
As we start the year we are often encouraged to ask God for a specific word to provide direction for the journey ahead. I recently read in my daily bible notes that when God called Moses at the burning bush he had a specific word for him, reminding him 'I AM', a confirmation that He would equip Moses to lead God’s people despite how ill-equipped he felt to fulfil the task; when Joshua was given the task of leading the people he was given a specific word to 'be strong and courageous'; and when Jesus began his ministry he was given a specific word 'This is my Son whom I love, with him I am well pleased.' These specific words from God provided focus, reassurance and strength for the task ahead. I was grateful to a young lady in church, with a particularly challenging work situation, who recently shared with us that the Lord had given her a specific word at the start of this year ‘to not compromise inner peace for the sake of outer peace.’
A few days later my bible reading followed on so well from that thought. I read Psalm 119:97-112 which includes the verse 'Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.' I was reminded that God's word is focused, giving light to our path but not the entire journey. If we look around us or too far ahead instead of focusing on the path we’re on, we can stumble. It is not always easy to live in that place of inner peace, especially when things are difficult or when circumstances aren’t always ideal, but if we focus on our walk with the Lord rather than the things around us or our concerns about what lies ahead of us, we can learn to live in a place of peace and rest despite the challenges, demands and pressures of our busy lives. The writer of my bible notes finished with this, 'I encourage you to make this your best year yet by living from the fullness of internal peace, not the forcefulness of outside pressure.'
A few days later my bible reading followed on so well from that thought. I read Psalm 119:97-112 which includes the verse 'Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.' I was reminded that God's word is focused, giving light to our path but not the entire journey. If we look around us or too far ahead instead of focusing on the path we’re on, we can stumble. It is not always easy to live in that place of inner peace, especially when things are difficult or when circumstances aren’t always ideal, but if we focus on our walk with the Lord rather than the things around us or our concerns about what lies ahead of us, we can learn to live in a place of peace and rest despite the challenges, demands and pressures of our busy lives. The writer of my bible notes finished with this, 'I encourage you to make this your best year yet by living from the fullness of internal peace, not the forcefulness of outside pressure.'
Claire Sillett, February 2018
Return to Home page - Articles
Go to Sunday talks - Bible study - Bible insights - Pastor's notebook - Community News articles - Merle's reflections
Return to Home page - Articles
Go to Sunday talks - Bible study - Bible insights - Pastor's notebook - Community News articles - Merle's reflections
