Today's point of praise: "But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall." (Ephesians 2: 13-14) Day #5
Exactly three years ago today I started a daily devotional titled "100 Days of Praise for Women" and intended on blogging throughout. Well, unfortunately, I didn't stick with it. So I'm back to pick up where I left off and the topic at hand couldn't be more perfect to hear at this moment.
It's hard to feel peace in the midst of any chaos - especially when there is chaos inside yourself or in your personal life. What do I mean by that? Well, when the people we love hurt us (intentionally or unintentionally) it can be some of the worst pain imaginable. So much so that you can get so wrapped up in the chaos that it just feels like the world is crashing down on you. In those times you usually don't stop to seek peace. Usually when your hurting you do what feels good - venting, lashing out your anger/frustration/hurts, etc. And I can say I am guilty as charged!
We - ourselves - are not perfect people yet for some odd reason we often expect exactly that of others. When they fail, we can take that personally, especially if it affects us. It's hard to step back from a situation in which you feel no peace at all and accept the shortcomings of the people we love for what they are: mistakes, weakness, flaws, etc. In that situation it can be easy to chastise. But ultimately, God calls us to forgive and to remember the goodness in each other. To find peace within ourselves (through Him) and to share it with everyone.
Corrie ten Boom said - "In the center of a hurricane there is absolute quiet and peace. There is no safer place than in the center of the will of God."
So. Absolutely. True.
Sometimes certain things will fall apart so that different things can fall into place. It's not apparent why this has to happen this way, it just does. And I am finding this to be true in my life at the moment. Usually what falls apart is YOUR plans so that GOD'S plans for your life can come together.
I'm at a turning point in my life. I am no longer a child nor do I find any happiness behaving like one or associating myself with those who prove time and time again that immaturity does not go away with age or becoming a parent or settling down and getting married. I just want more for my life and better for my family and I don't want outside influences to negatively affect my life.
For the type of people who find joy in anyone else's pain - please take this moment to fully remove yourself from my life. I can promise you whether or not you remove yourself, there isn't a place for someone like you anymore.
It might sound like I am not in a place of peace currently, and you may be right. But I assure you, I am taking steps to get there for myself, for my marriage, and for my family. I am not perfect and I know things like resentment and anger will continue in my life but I would much rather like to live in the light than the dark. I've been putting off making these changes in my life and I just can't do that any longer. I want to be someone who focuses on the good - who is an encourager rather than a critic. And I really don't want to fill my team with people who drag me or the people I love most down because it defeats the purpose of having a team.
"Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart." Catherine Marshall
Exactly three years ago today I started a daily devotional titled "100 Days of Praise for Women" and intended on blogging throughout. Well, unfortunately, I didn't stick with it. So I'm back to pick up where I left off and the topic at hand couldn't be more perfect to hear at this moment.
It's hard to feel peace in the midst of any chaos - especially when there is chaos inside yourself or in your personal life. What do I mean by that? Well, when the people we love hurt us (intentionally or unintentionally) it can be some of the worst pain imaginable. So much so that you can get so wrapped up in the chaos that it just feels like the world is crashing down on you. In those times you usually don't stop to seek peace. Usually when your hurting you do what feels good - venting, lashing out your anger/frustration/hurts, etc. And I can say I am guilty as charged!
We - ourselves - are not perfect people yet for some odd reason we often expect exactly that of others. When they fail, we can take that personally, especially if it affects us. It's hard to step back from a situation in which you feel no peace at all and accept the shortcomings of the people we love for what they are: mistakes, weakness, flaws, etc. In that situation it can be easy to chastise. But ultimately, God calls us to forgive and to remember the goodness in each other. To find peace within ourselves (through Him) and to share it with everyone.
Corrie ten Boom said - "In the center of a hurricane there is absolute quiet and peace. There is no safer place than in the center of the will of God."
So. Absolutely. True.
Sometimes certain things will fall apart so that different things can fall into place. It's not apparent why this has to happen this way, it just does. And I am finding this to be true in my life at the moment. Usually what falls apart is YOUR plans so that GOD'S plans for your life can come together.
I'm at a turning point in my life. I am no longer a child nor do I find any happiness behaving like one or associating myself with those who prove time and time again that immaturity does not go away with age or becoming a parent or settling down and getting married. I just want more for my life and better for my family and I don't want outside influences to negatively affect my life.
For the type of people who find joy in anyone else's pain - please take this moment to fully remove yourself from my life. I can promise you whether or not you remove yourself, there isn't a place for someone like you anymore.
It might sound like I am not in a place of peace currently, and you may be right. But I assure you, I am taking steps to get there for myself, for my marriage, and for my family. I am not perfect and I know things like resentment and anger will continue in my life but I would much rather like to live in the light than the dark. I've been putting off making these changes in my life and I just can't do that any longer. I want to be someone who focuses on the good - who is an encourager rather than a critic. And I really don't want to fill my team with people who drag me or the people I love most down because it defeats the purpose of having a team.
"Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart." Catherine Marshall
So yeah. I'm working on that.
Love love love this post! We are working on the same things, but I've learned that cutting out the negative people is still very hard on my heart. I miss them for the good times we shared (not the drama of course) and it's hard because there was a lot of drama filled friendships in my life. I'm down to very few close friends, and my team is basically two players (plus abi). It's hard, but I hAve faith that more positive relationships are around the corner. For both of us. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Britt! :) I agree about cutting out the negativity... much easier SAID than done. Onward & upward, girl.
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