While I'm in my home office this morning, trying to read my Bible and pray and write this blog post, I hear the pounding of a hammer, the ripping up of flooring, and the voices of men working. It's a whole lot easier to keep a gentle and peaceful spirit that isn't anxious and wrought up when everything around me is neat and tidy and peaceful and quiet. However, that's not been my reality since mid-July when we put our former house up for sale, moved into our new to us house, and started updating it.
In 1 Peter chapter one, verse 3 is often the one that we hear emphasized. It warns us against overly focusing on our outward appearance. To me it's the following verse, verse 4, that convicts me the most. God wants the inner me to be clothed with peace and gentleness, not anxiety, not being wrought up, (which means agitated, stressed, tense, overwrought, nervous, on edge, keyed up, worked up, flustered, fretful or upset). Let's face it, that's easier said than done when life is chaotic or stressful or when we are walking through times of trial and tribulation.
Years ago, I wrote out twenty six Bible verses, rewriting them in first person so that I could speak them aloud as daily faith declarations. 1 Peter 3:4 is one of those verses. Today I spoke aloud, as a prayer, as a declaration of faith, "I have a gentle and peaceful spirit that is not anxious or wrought up". Let it be so, Lord, for me and for all who read these words. Amen.
still following,
My beautiful friend you are such an example of this! I am so thankful & blessed that God brought you & your blog into my life. There are so many times that your words have spoke so strongly to my heart. I love how God's light shines through you! :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're an encouragement and blessing to me! Thank you!
DeleteThanks so much for this reminder. Lots going on in my life right now, as well. It's so good to know that God has the answer for all of life's situations that we go through. First time visiting W2W and I'm so glad I did. Have a beautiful Sunday! See you next week! ;)
ReplyDeleteblessings, Cindy
I'm so glad that God is right here with us in the middle of life's messy season! There are lots of good contributors here so check out their posts, too. Thanks so much, Cindy!
DeleteI keep thinking of the words "Peace be still". Oh that God would come with His peace and still my anxious heart. Beautifully written Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteYes! Peace be still in our mind, will and emotions!
DeleteOne thing is certain, and you've made it clear: that gentle and quiet spirit has to come from within. It's nothing we can paste on like wallpaper and hope for the best.
ReplyDeleteTrusting the Spirit to make it true in me!
Thanks for your words of grace and truth!
Michele, I think of our spirit as the strong place within where God's Spirit dwells. If we can sift past our tumultuous emotions during tough times, and listen to our spirit instead, peace comes.
DeleteWe tend to think it's the big emotional things this verse applies to but how often in the dailyness of life do we need to remember this verse. I need it every day, if only to calm my thoughts. Love you dear friend.
ReplyDeleteLove you, too, dear friend!
DeleteBeautiful reminder to have a peaceful spirit, even among the chaos.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jenifer!
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