Peace, Hope, Heaven, Trust

Lately I have been wanting to grow in peace. I am praying about it but I don't even know where to begin. I don't know what steps to take, Often I don't even know what I am feeling, or if I am stressed. I just sense a need and desire for peace. There are many verses I can look up about it, but i know that is not enough. What I need to do is spend time with God, experience him on a deeper, heart level. I know so much in my head and don't know how to get it to my heart.

Living with God is definitely not easy but it is worth it, because I know that he never fails to be there and help us through. He sees us and hears our prayers, he knows what we need. In the moment we don't see his hands at work, but we can hope and trust the fact that he is working, always. He doesn't give up so easily as we do, he never ceases. He is building us new piece by piece, over hurdles, getting back up when we fall, in every mistake, he is building and following his plan.

Peace is something that won't suddenly come in my life, it will be something that might take some time to get to. That is what everything with God is, we need to trust that he will get us through, we need to trust in his plans, we need to wait patiently (also something I need to work on) and know that he is who he says he is.

Even if we have no clue what to do in situations, we speak truth and life over the lies, turn to God, I know I am not doing this right now, everything in life is a learning opportunity and it always will be. That is only part of this journey. Honestly earth sucks compared to heaven, there is something more special, more important, more interesting, more exciting, more everything. This world has nothing to offer us, nothing that is better then heaven. Heaven is perfect and this earth is more than broken.

 Our hope is in Jesus, and our hearts belong in heaven with him. HALLELUJAH!!

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

 2 Peter 3:13 “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”

Just Be

We focus on the to do lists, the struggles, the thoughts or worries running through our heads, and every moment except the present one. We don't value the moment we are in as the most important. Every moment should be like that. Regardless of how we feel or the circumstances we are in, every moment is important. Each one adds a detail or a page to the story of our life. We wouldn't be who we are today without our past moments. We wont get to where we will be in the future unless we have each and every one of our moments. 

Rushing by, driving in traffic, overthinking, and whatever else stresses us, are not the moments we live for. We desire the moments of Joy, laughter, peace, friendships, family, memories we never forget. Just being in the moment is where we need to be. We need to enjoy the good ones, pray through the bad ones, and never forget to take time for rest. Rest from stress, Rest in christ, and Rest our spirits. God took a day of rest after he created the world. If the God of the universe, creator of all people, all things and everything in this world and the next. If he rests we know it is even more important for us to rest. 

That is how I want to live; resting in Christ, enjoying every great moment, turning to God in the bad moments, just be in the here and now, not rushing in life. 

Most importantly I want more of my time spent in relationship with God. I don't want to forget to, or decide to do something else. I want him to the focus, the center of attention in my life. As of this moment these things are all desires of my heart, but also something I desperately need to grow in. 

I know God will help me, I know one day i will be perfected in every area, I trust that God has a plan. I know he is cheering me on and waiting for me at the finish line, I know he sees where I have been, and I know he is with me every step of my journey. He isn't doing this just for me, but for you and every one else in this world. 

Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” 

Proverbs 3:5-6 
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Hebrews 13:5 
"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Isaiah 41:10

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."