The God of Peace Shall Be With You
.
Philippians 4:8,9 KJV
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
These verses were in my "daily dose" email. In other words, I subscribe to a service that sends me scripture daily. To be honest, in the last several months I haven't even opened the emails on most days. I didn't delete them at first; I just didn't open them. Ultimately, I ended up with about 100 messages that had never been read (I actually have three daily subscriptions!) I justified my actions by telling myself I was too busy--too busy planning my daughter's wedding, too busy working my nanny job with very early start time each day, too busy getting my writing business off the ground . . . too busy ignoring God!
I find it interesting that after all these years of professing that God needs to be the center and focus of our lives before anything else, I haven't been following my own convictions. Interesting and sad because I've missed out on the peace that comes with complete reliance upon God and His power, His wisdom, His love.
My blessings have been manifold in the last year, despite financial strains and some other issues. Things are really falling into place for our family. Still, I have felt a twinge each time I opened an email about other important topics and avoided one about living my faith. What I was reminded of and convicted of in the wee hours of the night is that God loves me in spite of myself! Not only does He love me, He continues to pour out His blessings upon me! Not only does He pour out His blessings upon me, He woos me back to Him.
In spite of all these truths, I've felt a certain unease. I've been watching way too much of the 24-hour news programs, stressing more than I should about the state of the world and how powerless and victimized we all are. Oh, I've been praying. I've been reading books and staying connected at church. I just haven't been making God first!
That's why this scripture is so powerful for me. When God is first, we expend our energy thinking on whatever is true, whatever is honest, whatever is just, whatever is pure. When I'm in a right relationship with God, I think upon what is lovely and of good report, virtuous and worthy of praise. I'm breathing a deep sigh of relief as I type this. I'm feeling the comfort that only God provides when we think of Him. First, last, and everywhere in between.
I'll be signing on again each morning. There, I've said it, so now I have to do it! I look forward to it! I have missed my morning cup of coffee with God.
My prayer today is that you think of all the good and right and true things in the world. And that you offer praise for God's love, patience, mercy and peace.
Mary
