“May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.”  2 Peter 1:2 (AMP)

I tried many things to fill the void in my life. However, in reflection, I realize that I forfeited peace often over the years because I didn’t seek to know God more. I didn’t put the necessary effort into memorizing scripture and working at renewing my mind. I panicked instead of praying. I looked at my circumstances instead of God’s promises. Then, I decided to trust Him more and more. Peace at last flooded in.

Do you remember your first experience of the overwhelming sense of God’s presence that accompanies trusting in Jesus? When people first experience forgiveness and life in Jesus, one of their first responses may be astonishment over how much peace occurs ? especially in their minds. That is how it was with me. At first, I sensed much contentment — it was greater than anything I had ever experienced.

I soon realized that along with this contentment and a desire to follow Christ wholeheartedly comes a battle — the battle for our will and for our minds. No surprise there. Jesus promised that in this world we would have trouble (John 16:33).

However, He also promised His peace could reign in our hearts, not just the first time we come to Him, but every time. We can retain that peaceful sensation no matter what bombards us in life. Growing in our knowledge of the Lord is a lifelong pursuit. Peter reminds us it is worth every effort. He says God will provide more and more grace and peace as we grow in our knowledge of Jesus our Lord.

Lord, thank you for your promise of grace and peace as we grow in our knowledge you. Teach me to know you. Write your word on my heart. Help me pray according to your will and pray through everything I need. Thank you that you hear and will answer according to your will. Thank you for the promise of your peace — beyond anything this world can give. Amen.

By Donna Mitchell
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Wisdom and Knowledge of God

How Can I Know God Personally?

The Knowledge of God

Know and Do the Will of God

The post Worth the Effort appeared first on Thoughts About God.

The world financial situation bounces like a rubber ball. It’s fragile and unpredictable.  The morning news tells us the financial markets continue to tumble. Financial leaders are meeting to try to figure out how to avert panic.

I clicked from the news to my devotional email and read the Bible verse Mike Woodard highlighted for today.

Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.”

Perfect verse to counter the unease of the morning news.  I thought on it for a few moments ……

“above all else” .

I sometimes ask the Lord for my “marching orders for the day” and here it was ….. my priority today was to keep a guard at my heart and to do that I needed to faithfully guard what I allowed to come into my thoughts and settle into my heart.

“it is the wellspring of life”. 

Humm…… what I allowed to settle into my heart would overflow into my day … into my relationships … my actions … my reactions.

Tall order when anxiety of any kind surfaces threatening to consume and devour us.

Just as I pondered the “how” of this wise verse another verse filtered through my thoughts and I quickly googled it to find the reference. Listen to the amazing flow of God’s wisdom to us…

Philippians 4:4-7
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which passes all understand, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Wow! Here was the answer to the “how” of guarding my wellspring of life, my heart. God will actually send His peace to do it for me if I simply choose my responses today.

1. Choose to Rejoice in the Lord always. Focus on all the Lord is and offers to us through Himself.  Take one point and make it the meditation of your day.
2. Choose to Remember He is near. When anxiety threatens ask God to remind you that He is right there and He will steady you and give you the wisdom you need.
3. Choose to Respond in prayer. Worry is a call to prayer. Choose to lay your request before God and ask for His guidance.
4. Choose to Retain thanksgiving. Leave your concern with the Lord and focus instead on who He is and His ability to hold you through any challenge. Maintain a grateful heart for even the smallest of His blessings. Watch for them.

Result: His peace, which is beyond understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.

Pretty amazing really when you pause to ponder it.

• All our spillover today in our actions, relationships, words, attitudes, will pour from what is in our hearts.
• We are told by God to guard our hearts.
• When we choose to focus on Him (Rejoice) / to Remember He is right there with us/to pray (Respond) even when we don’t feel like it/ and to Retain gratitude in our hearts …… then an amazing thing happens….

God’s peace itself guards our hearts AND our minds…. thorough Jesus Christ and we REST even in the midst of unsettling times!

Lord God, Please help me today to choose to guard my heart through these four steps and to experience Your amazing and
un-explainable peace settling over my heart and mind by the power of Jesus. Thank you for Your wonderful provision when I turn my eyes to You. In the strong name of Jesus I pray, amen.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

The post Pretty Amazing appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Is it possible to have peace during challenges? Yes, it is!

“But how?” You may ask. The answer is by putting our trust in the Lord. Today’s verse says God fills us with joy and peace as we trust in Him. The passage connects overflowing hope to the peace of God in our hearts. When we don’t have the peace of God, which comes because of putting our trust in God, we won’t be able to obtain hope.

Jesus told His disciples when He was on earth that they could have peace even in times of tribulation and trouble  – see John 16:3. He still says that to us now, because His word does not change.

Lately, God has been teaching me, through different situations and circumstances of life, how to trust Him. He has been showing me that even though I don’t know how or what to do, I can still have that peace that passes all understanding, as Paul describes it in his letter to the Philippians 4:7. I believe He is with me through whatever happens, just as He explained to His disciples.

To have the peace of God in your heart when you are going through tough situations in life is not something that comes naturally. Even so, it can develop as we consistently make the choice to put our trust in God and in His unfailing word.

Dear Lord, please help me trust you completely with everything, so that my heart can always be filled with your supernatural peace regardless of what I go through in life, in Jesus name, Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo
Used by Permission

Do you have peace during your times of trouble? Do you know the love that is found in God alone, through Jesus?  Would you like to have a relationship with Him?  It starts with a simple heart felt prayer:

Lord, thank You for dying so we can be set free from all of guilt and sin — no matter how big or small.  Your blood has erased all of our sin. Thank You so much! Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be. Amen

RELATED READING

• Peace Has Been Provided
• How to Experience Christ’s Peace
• God’s Peace in the Storms of Life

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The post I Will Trust in Him appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.”  Revelation 8:3-4 (ESV)

I have been very ill recently and there is no doubt that God has been, and is, with me through this experience, traumatic as it has been.

I had become jaundiced and infected, very ill, and was admitted to hospital. The upshot was, as I got sicker, so my mental faculties left me; until eventually all was stripped away except God. There was no room for anything else because I was so ill. For a big baby like me who avoids hospitals, needles, and endless blood-sampling, it was great. I had no space for fear or apprehension. There was just God and me together.

Now you could put all this down to kind of euphoria from the state I was in. However, I had a picture given to me whilst in this state to explain what was happening. This is the picture:

As I looked into darkness I could see something like an assembly line of a tinned product. This was a single line of tins encased by four open sides of bright metal. Rather than going horizontally, this assembly line came up from the darkness and then turned at an angle into a horizontal fixed point on a transparent wall where light was shining. As the many tins rolled up and entered into the light of the expanse, they immediately burst forth into a shimmering gold dust that spread out and drifted gently downwards into the darkness towards me.

I understood these were the many prayers of the saints being sent up from earth into the heavenly realms. As they reached into heaven they were blessed by God, and returned to earth to accomplish their mission. It was these very prayers, as an act of God’s grace shown towards me, which I believe took away all my fears and anxieties.

PRAYER: LORD, thank you so much for Your peace which passes all understanding and the fellowship of prayer. Your desire for us to be intimately involved in Your purposes for us here on earth, through prayer and action. We thank you for the faithfulness of the saints and your desire to answer prayers.  Please forgive us when we doubt You hear our prayers, and enable us to trust in Your love for us, even when we cannot see it, to know that it is there. For which we rejoice and give You thanks and praise in Jesus’ name, amen.

by Rod Marshall
used by permission

FURTHER READING

•   Heaven on My Mind – by Katherine Kehler

•  How to Be Confident You Will Go to Heaven When You Die 

•  What Makes Heaven Heavenly – by Max Lucado

The post The Conveyor Belt to Heaven appeared first on Thoughts About God.

GOD IS SATISFIED

We stand confused.
He is not.

Circumstances spin out of control.
He’s right on schedule.

Life aches.
He has a purpose.

We fret.
He is calm.

God is not pacing the floors, wondering what’s going on, biting His fingernails, or dissatisfied with our lives and the world in general.

He is often grieved, I’m sure. But He’s never surprised. Never caught off guard. Never strategizing to see how He’s going to smooth out what’s been made crooked now.

His perspective is different from ours.

His ways are higher.  God’s at peace.

And He’s satisfied.

One Puritan writer explained it this way.

Our lives seem like a jagged race—a fretful sprint from pillar to post. But at the end of the race, we will turn around and look back.

And all we’ll see is a straight line.

God is satisfied.

Rest in this peace-giving truth.

“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this” . . . ‘Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret.” (John 13:7; Psalm 37:7)

By Bethany Hayes
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING:

Why Worry Yourself Sick? – by Muriel Larson
Dealing with Inner Turmoil By Dr. Henry Brandt
Up from Depression
Struggling with Depression – Merri Ellen Giesbrecht tells her depression story and her story of hope

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The post God is Satisfied appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it.” Matthew 6:27

No one has to remind you of the high cost of anxiety. (But I will anyway).

Worry divides the mind.  The biblical word for worry (merimnao) is a compound of two Greek words, merizo (“to divide”) and nous (“the mind”).  Anxiety splits our energy between today’s priorities and tomorrow’s problems.  Part of our mind is on the now; the rest is on the not yet.  The result is half-minded living.

That’s not the only result.  Worrying is not a disease, but it causes diseases.  It has been
connected to high blood pressure, heart trouble, blindness, migraine headaches, thyroid
malfunctions, and a host of stomach disorders.

Anxiety is an expensive habit.  Of course, it might be worth the cost if it worked.  But
it doesn’t.  Our frets are futile.  Worry has never brightened a day, solved a problem,
or cured a disease.

“Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”  Proverbs 3:5&6

By Max Lucado
Used by permission

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
https://maxlucado.com/about/

FURTHER READING

• Do Not Fret –  by John Grant

• H.O.P.E. – Thoughts about God by Julie Cosgrove

• The Peace of God – by Violet Tse

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The post Fretting is Futile appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace [shalom] I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

We’ve all struggled with life’s adversities to some extent. Often, in my experiences, just when I thought I could easily discern God’s plan for my comfortable life, suddenly ? and without warning ? I experienced life interrupted. Adversity and anxiety shattered my illusionary spiritual serenity.

Throughout life, society indoctrinates us with an insatiable appetite for self-satisfaction and entitlement. Societal misconception or flawed theology suggests that God exists to provide us with an excess-filled, comfortable life ? inciting us to perceive perpetual bliss as the norm for a Christian. This illegitimate and idealistic illusion causes many believers to experience a troubled heart. They question God’s sovereignty and presence in their lives because they experience no enduring, soul satisfying serenity.

In John’s gospel, Jesus distinguishes the world’s peace from His peace. The world’s peace, although enticing, is illusionary and temporary. The Hebrew word for peace is shalom; however, it conveys a much deeper meaning of complete and whole wellness. When Jesus imparts to them His shalom, He reminds His disciples that adversity and anxiety are coming, and in this world, they will encounter life interrupted. However, He reassures them that in Him, they shall experience enduring satisfying shalom, because He is Shalom.

Are you experiencing life interrupted? Take heart ? God has not thrown you to life’s lions. Only Jesus can shelter our fragile troubled hearts amidst life’s unexpected and unwelcome crises. Scripture encourage us to always pursue shalom, not as a temporary emotional fix for our momentary misfortune, but as the forever accessible, always available, perfect peace of His presence.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that you are my ever present Savior who overcomes the world and never leaves me alone. In the midst of life’s often unpredictable crises, protect my heart from trouble and help me to pursue your presence. Preserve me with the assurance of your present and perfect Shalom. Amen.

By Allan Mitchell
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•  How to Pray

•  Struggles, Despair

•  Salvation Explained

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The post Pursuing Shalom appeared first on Thoughts About God.

A Prayer

Lord, help me to live in Your joy and peace. Give me strength and understanding to resist anxiety, anger, envy, depression, bitterness, hopelessness, loneliness, fear and guilt. Rescue me when “my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed.” (Psalm 143:4). I refuse to let my life be brought down by negative emotions such as these.

When I am tempted to give in to them, show me Your Truth. You have said in Your Word that by our patience we can possess our souls (Luke 21:19) Give me patience so I can do that. Help me to keep my ‘heart with all diligence‘, for I know that ‘out of it spring the issues of life‘. (Proverbs 4:23).

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” (Psalm 34:17-18)

Author Unknown

Further Reading

•  More Sample Prayers

•  God’s Sufficiency Exceeds Our Need 

•  Salvation Explained

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The post Living in God’s Joy and Peace appeared first on Thoughts About God.

The Lord blesses His people with peace. Psalm 29:11

God’s peace ….. will keep your heart and minds in Christ Jesus Philippians 4:7

The worrisome heart pays a high price for doing so.

Worry comes from the Greek word that means ‘to divide the mind.’ Anxiety splits us right down the middle, creating a double-minded thinker. Rather than take away tomorrow’s trouble, worry voids today’s strength. Perception is divided, distorting your vision. Strength is divided, wasting your energy.

Who can afford to lose power?

But how can we stop doing so? Paul offers a two-pronged answer: God’s part and our part. Our part includes prayer and gratitude. “Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks” Philippians 4:6.

God’s part? “And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

By Max Lucado
Used by Permission
From: Come Thirsty

If a relationship with God is something you desire it can start right now.  God cares less about your words than the attitude of your heart.  So tell Him what you’re thinking.  Here is suggestion:

God, I believe that you created me to know you.  Thank you for sending your son Jesus, as a sacrifice to pay the penalty that I deserve.  I believe that his death and resurrection has restored me to you.  Please forgive me for everything that has offended you.  Take first place in my life and help me become the person that you created me to be.

To learn more about Max Lucado, visit his website at:
https://maxlucado.com/about-max/

Further Reading

Life Can Bring Joy out of Sorrow by Norma Becker

A Poem of Hope …”I feel the arms of God around me”

Salvation Explained

The post Peace through Prayer appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” Mark 4:39 (ERV )

After ministering to the multitudes, Jesus told his disciples to get into the boat in order to get to the other side.  Immediately upon entering the boat, Jesus goes to sleep and a storm arises.  The wind and the waves begin to beat upon the ship. Of course this does not startle Jesus, but the disciples begin to panic.

As I look back over these verses, I can’t help but think that the Lord will often allow us to go through challenging situations just to show us what is on the inside of us.  Sure, we may be walking with Him daily, reading our Bibles, fasting, and praying, but what is our response in the midst of the storm?  Are we calm and confident of the Lord’s protection or are we frightened and unsettled like the disciples?  When Jesus arose He spoke peace to the storm.  He also rebuked his followers for being fearful and having no faith.

How is it that we have no faith when the Lord is present in our situation?   That is a question that we must answer for ourselves.  Through experience I have learned that the Lord will never leave us or forsake us.   The problem arises because we cannot see Him working.  Think about it. Jesus was present but they did not see Him actively working in their situation. We must come to know that wherever Jesus is at rest, there will be peace.  If He is not bothered by what is going on then we need to follow His lead.  If He truly lives on the inside of you, you possess the same power; you too can speak peace to your storm.

I speak peace to the storms that are raging in your life today. Be at peace and trust His promises to you.  God is not slack concerning His promises. Make it a point to rest in His love for you.

Father thank you for the covenant of peace you have given us. I pray that you will continue to surround us with your loving-kindness; may we drink in your goodness as you keep us in your arms of protection. In Jesus name Amen

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission
Excerpt from Be Attitudes: Devotional Journey to a Healthier and Happier You:
August 2013

FURTHER READING

•  A Moving Mountain – Have you ever heard of a mountain moving a person?
•  My Search for Inner Peace – by Eva Reinhart

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

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“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3

In January of 1960, two men went where no man had ever gone before … or since.  They plunged into the deepest spot in the ocean at the Marianas Trench … nearly 7 miles down.  That’s a full mile deeper than Mount Everest is tall!

At that depth, the pressure is tremendous… more than 200 million pounds.  And yet, they found life… as tranquil as can be.  No matter the storms that rage on the surface, the ocean below is calm and peaceful.

This is the way our Christian life should be.  No matter what storms rage around us, deep down, we have peace.

Under the greatest pressure, God gives us calm assurance to face every day.

By Vonette Bright

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