Peace

The Holy Spirit Knows My Heart

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When I am afraid, sick, or in crisis-mode, my anxieties weigh me down. It is though I am running circles around my worry rather than kneeling over my anxieties to pray. Yet when I do pray, what weighs me down is uplifted with a sense of peace, a stillness with a vision of the way forward.

Stubbornness prolongs my pain.

“The LORD says,
“I will instruct you.
I will teach you the way that you should go.
I will advise you as my eyes watch over you.
Don’t be stubborn like a horse or mule.
They need a bit and bridle in their mouth to restrain them,
or they will not come near you.” Psalm 32:8-9 (GW)

Learning to pay attention.

I have learned to do pay attention to His teachings first thing in the morning by reading God’s Word and devotionals. This is when I write in my prayer journal. If I am feeling rushed in the morning, I can expect that my day will be stressful. It is though I never spent my time with God at all. It is oftentimes because I do not know how to express myself. I look back in my prayer journal and I can see the rambling of my words. Then I feel ashamed. I remind myself that Holy Spirit knows my heart. He understands my rambling voice.

“But if we hope for what we don’t see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. At the same time the Spirit also helps us in our weakness because we don’t know how to pray for what we need. But the Spirit intercedes along with our groans that cannot be expressed in words. The one who searches our hearts knows what the Spirit has in mind. The Spirit intercedes for God’s people the way God wants him to.” Romans 8:25-27 (GW)

Turning shame to praise.

I am not to let the busyness and distractions of my life interfere with staying attuned with God. My prayer journal has helped me to write my way through all my crisis’ to stay focused on Him who knows my heart. I give all the glory, power, and praise to God who watches over me. He also sends people who share in my love and praise of God into my life. I am grateful for those who walk with me in His light and pray for me.

Prayer Journal Prompt:

“COME CLOSE TO GOD, AND HE WILL COME CLOSE TO YOU.” JAMES 4:8 (GW)

How can I create time to spend with God?

What keeps me from forming a journaling habit?

Who do I know that can help me draw closer to God?

Do I feel the Holy Spirit’s presence when I pray?  Why or Why not?

What does it mean to me, “But if we hope for what we don’t see”?

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The Encouragement of Jesus Christ

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READ HEBREWS 10

VERSES 35-36

“So don’t lose your confidence. It will bring you a great reward. You need endurance so that after you have done what God wants you to do, you can receive what he has promised.”

Why have I hidden myself away?

The rougher roads of life have beaten me down and I long to secure a peaceful retreat from the world physically, socially, and mentally. My desire to live a distant, withdrawn, and secluded life, however, is diametrically opposed to what I crave.

The true test of my spirituality has come up against injustice, degradation, ingratitude, and turmoil, and simply – the world around me has made me spiritually lazy and silent.

Why do I continue to be bothered?

I have used the social and personal silence in prayer and Bible reading for the sole purpose of finding that peaceful, quiet retreat.

When my peace and joy of Jesus Christ is just that and not for the true realization of Him it is no wonder my road has become a crumbling pothole. I do not want to be stirred up. All I want is to be retired from this world.

What is wrong with me?

I am consumed with my own existence that my gaze is always cast down instead of up. I look up to see others sharing the same uneven path. We belong to Christ. My encouragement lies in our collective encouragement as we press forward in a shared faith of redemption and a life that only can be lived through Him who saves.

The peace of God that surpasses all understanding is ours.

Dear Lord, I praise Your Name in Christ Jesus who You have given to free us from our sins. Forgive me for our selfishness and I pray not only for my encouragement but for all others who come to You for forgiveness and peace. I am grateful beyond measure for Your encouraging presence. I love you! In Jesus Christ’s name I pray. Amen.

Prayer Journal tips (2)Praying for others is one of the ways we can encourage each other even if we do not know their specific circumstances or name. God intimately knows their names and their circumstances. The back pages of my prayer journal are reserved for family, friends, and others who need or have requested my prayer. I pray daily that they see God’s presence and feel His comforting peace.