Is it really possible to experience inner peace in the midst of any situation, no matter the circumstances?
The Christmas season often magnifies our everyday emotions. For many, it really does feel like the most wonderful time of the year. For others, the full calendar brings feelings of stress and pressure.
For still others, the celebrations, the decorations, and the music, are bittersweet. The loss of a loved one overshadows the beauty of the season. The familiar rituals open old wounds. And what of those who are, even now, experiencing the searing pain of fresh loss, watching a beloved spouse or child slip away? Where is God’s peace in moments like these?
Whether we feel it or not, the fact is that God is constantly reaching out His hand to us, ready to comfort us-- if we will only receive it. Unfortunately, instead of looking to the Lord for comfort we turn to earthly counterfeits, temporary salves for our deep hurts. All the while, God stands ready with His tested, enduring love and comfort. He leads us beside quiet waters, restoring our soul, and as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we don’t have to fear the evil that may befall us, for He is with us, His rod and staff comfort us (Ps. 23:2-4).
Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the Comforter, the paraclete (i.e. John 14:16,26,15:26), and in this role He fulfills two functions: to lead us to the truth and to remind us of God’s promises. The comfort the Spirit offers is the truth about God and His steadfast love for us, and the truth about who we are in Christ. God is not a god who sleeps, rather, He is constantly working for the good of His beloved children, for whom He works all things together for good. The Spirit gently reminds us of this even when we are languishing in our doubts and fears, offering comfort in eternal love.
But we can ignore, even reject this comfort. In Psalm 77 Asaph speaks of holding out his hand, even while seeking the Lord in his trouble, refusing to be comforted. How many times do we wallow in our desperate prayers, stiff-arming God’s offer of comfort? We talk. We rage. But we don’t listen. We prefer to feel awful, even to punish ourselves, over receiving the grace and peace He gives.
Do you need God’s comfort today? Perhaps today is your day to finally cease striving, to rest in the embrace of a loving Father. We can rest easy knowing that those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted (Matt. 5:4). We can comfort each other with the comfort by which we ourselves are comforted by God (II Cor. 1:4). And we can release our worries and fears at the quiet waters He would lead us to... if we would only follow.
A Prayer
If we trust and have faith in the Lord
He will answer our prayers
He will show us the way
He will protect us from danger
He will shower us with love.
He will save you from fear.
You will never be alone.
If we trust and have faith in the Lord
He will answer our prayers
He will show us the way
He will protect us from danger
He will shower us with love.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Who am I to tell you about inner peace?
Who am I to tell you about inner peace?
My own journey to inner peace has been a long one—almost a century long, to be exact. I was born in 1920 and grew up in the oil fields of Odessa, Texas. In my life, I’ve fulfilled many roles. After WWII I was a Hollywood actor and producer. An oil man. A rancher. A civic leader and philanthropist. A husband and father.
I have always been a driven person, the kind of man who sees potential, who founds things: The William Moss Institute, a charitable and educational organization at the American University, Washington DC; Television Corporation of America, which produced a Peabody Award-winning documentary. The list goes on…
Like so many who want to be a part of positive change in America, I became politically active early in my life. I’ve chaired countless committees, helped raise millions of dollars for causes I believe in, and worked closely with the Bush family for many years. In 1989, at the request of President George H. W. Bush, I organized and was chairman of the President’s Drug Advisory Council, which was part of the Executive Branch of the White House. The Council was formed to advise the President on ways to involve the private sector in the war on drugs. I’m particularly proud of the things the Council accomplished.
A person’s resume tells you very little about who they are when nobody is watching. My business life was an obvious success. But I was a man in need of redemption, of divine intervention, and a spiritual awaking. God used several key moments to draw me to Himself. One of those was meeting my wife, Dianne. We were introduced by a mutual friend in 1995. Dianne has been, and still is, one of the strongest influences in my own redemption.
It might surprise you, then, to discover my most recent noteworthy accomplishment. After becoming a member of Alcoholics Anonymous at the age of 85, I am looking forward to celebrating my fifth year of sobriety. There are many reasons alcoholics drink; however, inner peace is not one of them.
Any successful person, if he or she is truthful, will tell you that success does not necessarily bring peace—not between you and others and not within your own heart. But neither does failure.
Consider the words of the apostle Paul:
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12, NIV)
What is Paul’s secret, the source of his contentment (a key milestone on the path to inner peace)?
“I can do all things through him [Christ] who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, NIV)
When I began to pursue Christ’s presence in my life, to carve out quiet moments and immerse myself in Scripture, I finally experienced true peace. The Bible clearly tells us that Christ gives every believer the strength to find contentment, to experience inner peace. But many of us rarely experience the peace we long for. Are you allowing your circumstances and the attitudes of your hearts to blind you to Christ’s strength, to distract you from pursuing His peace?
Dear God I know that all things work together for the good of those who love you. I have asked for Your direction and I believe that I am where You want me to be. I am comfortable; I am at peace. You have blessed me in so many ways. I am grateful for all that You have done for me. I put my life in Your hands.
Thank you for granting me inner peace.
Amen
My own journey to inner peace has been a long one—almost a century long, to be exact. I was born in 1920 and grew up in the oil fields of Odessa, Texas. In my life, I’ve fulfilled many roles. After WWII I was a Hollywood actor and producer. An oil man. A rancher. A civic leader and philanthropist. A husband and father.
I have always been a driven person, the kind of man who sees potential, who founds things: The William Moss Institute, a charitable and educational organization at the American University, Washington DC; Television Corporation of America, which produced a Peabody Award-winning documentary. The list goes on…
Like so many who want to be a part of positive change in America, I became politically active early in my life. I’ve chaired countless committees, helped raise millions of dollars for causes I believe in, and worked closely with the Bush family for many years. In 1989, at the request of President George H. W. Bush, I organized and was chairman of the President’s Drug Advisory Council, which was part of the Executive Branch of the White House. The Council was formed to advise the President on ways to involve the private sector in the war on drugs. I’m particularly proud of the things the Council accomplished.
A person’s resume tells you very little about who they are when nobody is watching. My business life was an obvious success. But I was a man in need of redemption, of divine intervention, and a spiritual awaking. God used several key moments to draw me to Himself. One of those was meeting my wife, Dianne. We were introduced by a mutual friend in 1995. Dianne has been, and still is, one of the strongest influences in my own redemption.
It might surprise you, then, to discover my most recent noteworthy accomplishment. After becoming a member of Alcoholics Anonymous at the age of 85, I am looking forward to celebrating my fifth year of sobriety. There are many reasons alcoholics drink; however, inner peace is not one of them.
Any successful person, if he or she is truthful, will tell you that success does not necessarily bring peace—not between you and others and not within your own heart. But neither does failure.
Consider the words of the apostle Paul:
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12, NIV)
What is Paul’s secret, the source of his contentment (a key milestone on the path to inner peace)?
“I can do all things through him [Christ] who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, NIV)
When I began to pursue Christ’s presence in my life, to carve out quiet moments and immerse myself in Scripture, I finally experienced true peace. The Bible clearly tells us that Christ gives every believer the strength to find contentment, to experience inner peace. But many of us rarely experience the peace we long for. Are you allowing your circumstances and the attitudes of your hearts to blind you to Christ’s strength, to distract you from pursuing His peace?
***************
Dear God I know that all things work together for the good of those who love you. I have asked for Your direction and I believe that I am where You want me to be. I am comfortable; I am at peace. You have blessed me in so many ways. I am grateful for all that You have done for me. I put my life in Your hands.
Thank you for granting me inner peace.
Amen
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Take a moment to meditate and listen to the still small voice of God. Find a quiet place where you are relaxed yet aware of peace in God's presence. Sit quietly and listen to your breathing and to the sounds of the world around you, both outside and in the place where you are. Breathe slowly and rest in God's presence...
PRAYER AT RISING
(From Catherine Maclean, crofter, Naast, Gairloch)
Bless to me, O God,
Each thing mine eye sees ;
Bless to me, O God,
Each sound mine ear hears ;
Bless to me, O God,
Each odour that goes to my nostrils
Bless to me, O God,
Each taste that goes to my lips ;
Each note that goes to my song,
Each ray that guides my way,
Each thing that I pursue.
Each lure that tempts my will,
The zeal that seeks my living soul.
The Three that seek my heart,
The zeal that seeks my living soul,
The Three that seek my heart.
(taken from Carmina Gadelica)
PRAYER AT RISING
(From Catherine Maclean, crofter, Naast, Gairloch)
Bless to me, O God,
Each thing mine eye sees ;
Bless to me, O God,
Each sound mine ear hears ;
Bless to me, O God,
Each odour that goes to my nostrils
Bless to me, O God,
Each taste that goes to my lips ;
Each note that goes to my song,
Each ray that guides my way,
Each thing that I pursue.
Each lure that tempts my will,
The zeal that seeks my living soul.
The Three that seek my heart,
The zeal that seeks my living soul,
The Three that seek my heart.
(taken from Carmina Gadelica)
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