Okay maybe the title is a little bit misleading. I really wish I had a legitimate way to connect the two but sadly, I don't. I for some reason really just wanted to say it.
Peace can be thought of in a few different ways:
Peace vs. war
Peace vs. noise
Peace vs. turmoil
God of peace vs. god of endless distractions
Peace has been on my mind since two weekends ago when I went on a women's retreat with my church. God met me there in a mighty way and brought me to a place where I saw how much I have been neglecting Him. Our world is so fast paced filled with any and every distraction. Godly activities can also be distractions that take us away from where God wants us to be. Resting in the Savior was born out of the rest and peace that God has granted me since I purposefully have set time aside for just Him. Let me make a point to say that I am FAR from perfect at this. I am a die-hard fan of sleeping and have been this way since my childhood. I have started telling God, "I want to be alone with You, please help me want to meet with You." God has helped me fight off the temptation to fall back asleep and I pray He continues His pursuit of me.
What are some of your distractions? God wants to grant you peace in this life. What keeps you from making time to get alone with Him?
Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is with you... He will quiet you with His love. NIV
Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. NASB
My big distraction is definitely busyness. In my case, it's not idle hands, but busy hands that are the Devils tools. I'm driven to learn (by reading the internet or books) and to accomplish things.
ReplyDeleteAnd sleeping...lots of people have their focused prayer and study time early in the morning. But I HATE waking up early. And yet, especially lately, I've been feeling more and more like I need to do this. That thought is behind number six on my list of 6 truths about Prayer (click on my name).
Thanks for this reminder and encouragement!
Wow! What are some of my distractions? A better question for me would be what's NOT a distraction? I can be distracted from time alone with God by ANYTHING: laundry, dishes, homeschooling, time with my husband and children, reading, writing, the internet. The list is literally endless!
ReplyDeleteI have to MAKE time with God a priority, or it just doesn't happen. Thank you for the reminder to stay focused on Him above all. If I put Him first, the rest of my priorities stay in their proper places. Fortunately, my husband and children are believers too and understand how critical it is that I have that time!
~Jennifer
I have been thinking of you and praying for you in this area. I have often thought to ask how it was going. I am glad that you wrote about it.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Heather
Sometimes my dreams for the future distract me from the now. God is so patient with me. I just want to want Him more. Pressing deeper, Lara
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