Thoughts

You will keep in perfect peace* all who trust in you, 

all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) 

We are all susceptible to a wandering mind.  Something that we perceive as negative happens and it instantly triggers some anxiety or fear.  Our minds begin to focus on the "what if's" and the worries, conjuring up disastrous scenarios for the future.   And, our minds are quick to judgment and blame. When things aren't going well, we can always find someone to blame.  We usually put a negative spin on other people's behavior.  All these toxic thoughts are killers. They destroy our peace and joy in the Lord.  

The question is, who's in control here?  Are we subject to thought-control, becoming slaves to our own thoughts?  Or, can we display self-control?  We are in need of self-control and discipline?  As soon as we sense our thoughts going down a negative path we can call a halt, shift gears and re-focus bringing our mind back to the only focus that brings us joy, peace and freedom.  We must make the choice to bring our focus back to the Lord, throw all our cares on him and trust him to take care of everything. That focus will always relieve us of anxiety, bring us to the point of peace and rest and fill our hearts with an understanding compassion and love towards others.

Lord, grant us the strength and wisdom to get our thoughts to stand at attention - attention on you.  Make us instantly aware when our thoughts begin to wander into negative territory and bring us back to a clear and single focus. 

*An interesting side note on the phrase "perfect peace."  The original Hebrew does not have the word "perfect."  The original has "shalom, shalom."  In other words, "peace, peace."   The word peace is used twice for emphasis.  The Hebrew word "shalom" doesn't just mean peace in the sense of freedom from conflict, but encompasses much more including the ideas of completeness, welfare and health.

Peace & Joy

Las Noches de Las Luminarias
 Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix

 Because of God’s tender mercy, 

the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,

to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

 and to guide us to the path of peace.

Luke 1:78-79 (NLT)

Jesus came to earth with a very specific purpose.  To shine light into the darkness of our lives, to set us free and put our feet on the path of peace. Our lives sit in great darkness and confusion until the light of Christ shines upon us.  When we allow him to shine his light into our lives, he begins to expose those hidden things that keep us in confusion and fear. With his light upon us, he begins to guide us on a new path and into a place of peace.  He brings us out of darkness into his glorious light.

Peace and joy are the gifts God has for us. Those are not just empty words on a Christmas card, but real and tangible gifts from God.  Peace and joy are so often lacking in our lives. How can we find our way to this path of peace? When the light begins to shine upon us, it reveals a door.  When we enter through that door we find that the path that leads to peace and joy opens before us.  That door is called surrender.  As we turn our will and our lives completely over to the care of God and trust all into his hands we begin our journey on the pathway of peace.  When we stop fighting for our own way and surrender to his good, pleasing and perfect will, we begin to experience his blessings.  Since he knows us so well, God's will is always perfectly suited for us.  It is the most joyous and satisfying thing we can experience.  There is nothing scary about it.  When we begin to veer off that path into our own way, we may experience some temporary satisfaction, but our peace and joy will begin to fade.  That's the time to turn our hearts back again to the path of peace.

Lord, open our hearts.  Guide us to the path of peace.  Help us to surrender all that we are to you so that we might experience your gifts of true peace and joy this Christmas season.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, 

but let God transform you into a new person

 by changing the way you think. 

Then you will learn to know God’s will for you,

 which is good and pleasing and perfect. 

Romans 12:2 (NLT)

cathy-meditationsofmyheart.blogspot.com

Heart Transplant

 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; 

I will remove from you your heart of stone

 and give you a heart of flesh.

Ezek 36:26 (NIV)

The heart and attitude that God responds to is a heart of humility and lowliness.  We are so often filled up with ourselves, our own importance, seeking only to fulfill our own wants and needs.  There is no room for God in a heart like that.  The heart God is looking for is the submissive and lowly heart, empty of self, ready to be filled with God.  

How do we get to that place?  Sometimes the crushing difficulties of life bring us finally to a place of brokenness where we become willing to turn from our own ways and turn our lives completely over to God.  This is actually a good place to be for we finally become willing to open the door to the only one who can help us and change us. At the end of ourselves, we find the gateway into all the glories of God.

We cannot effect the change ourselves.  God is the great surgeon. Only he can do the transplant, taking out the old, hard and stony heart and giving us a soft, repentant, and submissive one.

Lord, we ask for a heart transplant.  Take out our old, hard hearts and replace them with new hearts, tender and responsive to you.

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

Psalms 51:17 (NLT)

Whether....or not.

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart.

 And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.

 So don’t be troubled or afraid.

John 14:27 (NLT)

In Al-Anon we have a phrase that we read every week, "it is possible for us to find contentment, and even happiness, whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not."

The crux of this statement is the fact that our happiness is not dependent upon anyone else.  Our serenity, peace and joy are independent of what other people say or don't say, do or don't do.  Our joy and peace are gifts from God and we can maintain them as we keep our focus on him and refuse to let the negative words or behavior of others penetrate our shield. 

This is a hard lesson to learn. Amy Carmichael* writes of a time, while riding on a train in India, "when a silly feather-flutter of local gossip..., tried to disturb me.  And it did disturb till these six words were repeated over and over, beaten out, as it were, in my ear by the sound of the wheels of the train: 'Let it be; think of Me.'" This thought came to her mind later when, suffering from illness, she was confronted with unthoughtful, disturbing words.  After reacting negatively at first, she remembered those six little words and her peace returned and so she encourages others, "not to weigh flying words or let their peace be in the mouths of men."

The unthoughtful, cruel words of others may sting, but are of no consequence if we turn to God alone who is the source and resource of all our joy and peace.  

Thank you, Lord, for your promise of joy and peace.  There is so much in this world that trys to disturb us and rob us of this peace.  Lord, help us to be constant in our focus on you and allow the peace of your presence to surround us at all times.  Amen, Lord, let it be.

Now is your time of grief,

 but I will see you again and you will rejoice,

 and no one will take away your joy.

John 16:22 (NIV)

*Amy Carmichael was a British missionary to India who writes of her joy in the midst of suffering.  This quote is from her book A Rose from Brier pg. 19, 20.

Walking in the Light

 Because of the tender mercy of our God,a new day has dawned on us, to shine on those who sit in darkness and in death's shadow,and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Luke 1:78-79 (ISV)

It has been an amazing experience for me working through the Twelve Steps.   A new light begins to shine on our lives as we take an honest inventory of ourselves (step 4), share it with another person (step 5), become willing for God to change us (step 6), humbly ask for that change to take place (step 7), become honest about the people we have harmed (step 8), and make amends to them all (step 9).

So much of our lives are spent in darkness, denial and making excuses.  What a joy and relief to have light shine upon us so that we can see the truth about ourselves and walk in what is real.

This is the promise of God, that his light would shine into our darkness.  All we have to do is be honest and willing to open up and face it all.

Lord, give us more light.  Shine into every dark area and every dark corner until we see things as they really are.  As we walk in your light, you cleanse and renew us and the day dawns brighter and brighter.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

John 1:5 (NLT)

But if we keep living in the light as he himself is in the light, 

we have fellowship with one another, 

and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 

If we say that we don't have any sin, 

we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 

If we confess our sins,

 he is faithful and righteous to forgive us those sins

 and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:7-9 (ISV)

Abide with Me

We are faced with so much uncertainty in life - an unexpected illness, a loss, a crisis.  He hasn't promised us perfection in this sinful world.  There is always the possibility that we will face heartache and suffering. The only thing we can count on is God's steadfast presence with us.  The knowledge that he is always there, no matter what happens, is our constant comfort. 

He tells us,  "Be of good cheer, for I have faced it all and have overcome it all by my spirit and I give that spirit to you."   He overcame the world.  What should I fear? We need not fear change or suffering or an unexpected crisis of health or life because we know that God has already seen it.

In the midst of sorrow and sadness, pain or suffering, let us ask for a consciousness of his abiding presence to cheer and to guide us.  Great is his faithfulness. No matter what happens he is there to help us. This is his promise, "I will be with you always even to the end of time." (Mt. 28.20)

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 (NLT)

Abide with Me

Abide with me - fast the eventide!

The darkness deepens - Lord, with me abide;

When other helpers fail and comforts flee,

Help of the helpless, 

O abide with me!

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day,

Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;

Change and decay in all around I see - 

O Thou who changest not, abide with me!

I need Thy presence every passing hour -

What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?

Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?

Thru cloud and sunshine,

O, abide with me!

I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless,

Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness;

Where is death's sting? where, grave, thy victory?

I triumph still if thou abide with me!

Hold Thou Thy Word before my closing eyes,

Shine thru the gloom and point me to the skies;

heaven's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee -

In life, in death, 

O Lord, abide with me!

Henry F. Lyte (1847)

To hear this beautiful hymn go to:  http://youtu.be/Rw5TtwJFIKU

Streams in the Desert

Apache Lake Arizona

For I am about to do something new.See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?I will make a pathway through the wilderness.I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

Isaiah 43:19 (NLT)

What ever difficulties or troubles we may face, God can make a way right through the middle of them.  Whether the troubles are of our own making (and mine usually are) or caused by someone else, we can still trust that God will give us comfort and wisdom.  Often he does not rescue us out of our troubles, but gives us refreshment in the midst of them.  He sets for us a wonderful banquet where we can sit down, rest and eat even in the presence of our enemies.  

What difficulty are you facing right now?  What impossible situation is robbing you of your peace and joy.  Look to the one who can make a shining river right in the middle of the driest desert.  He is there to comfort and guide you.  Look to him.

                     You prepare a feast for me                 in the presence of my enemies.

                                         Psalms 23:5 (NLT)

  When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.

Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)

Faithfulness

He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.

 John 1:14 NLT

I am always amazed when I contemplate God's unfailing love.  There is so much in this world that is uncertain.  No human can ever love perfectly.  We all fail in so many ways, but God is absolutely faithful.  

When we look at him and relate to him, we encounter a person of perfect love and compassion. He is one who always understands and sympathizes.  He never gives up on us no matter what we have done or how we have failed.  When thoughts of condemnation or self criticism come in, he brings encouragement and hope. Each time we turn back to him, he is there to receive us with tenderness and love.  God is faithful. 

I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the Lord.

      Hosea 2:19-20 (NLT)

Righteousness

Arizona Blooms

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus,

 who has become for us wisdom from God--

that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 

 Therefore, as it is written: 

"Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

1 Cor 1:30-31 (NIV)

It has taken me some time to realize that what I perceive of as my own righteousness and goodness is not enough.  After so many years of struggling with guilt and trying so hard to be good and always putting myself down, I have realized that my own righteousness will never be good enough.

The only thing that counts is the righteousness of Christ.  His righteousness has been imparted to me so I do not have to strive in my own strength to be good or to be anything at all.  I rely only upon his perfection.  Therefore, I can rest.  Why is this so hard for me.  Somewhere the striving, the perfectionism, the myth that performance equals acceptance has been impressed upon me.

This lie needs to be replaced with the truth that I am loved and accepted just as I am.  As I rest in him, all he desires for me will be accomplished.  My work is not the work of striving, but the rest of faith.

God, grant me rest today as I trust in the righteousness of Christ. Yours is the only righteousness and goodness that I have. I trust that that righteousness has been placed upon me and is working in me. 

My only hope is that I shall be clothed with the righteousness of Christ.  Martyn Lloyd Jones

Sinking

Peter stepped out of the boat onto the water

 and began walking toward Jesus. 

But when he remembered how strong the wind was, 

he lost his courage and began to sink.

 Mt. 14:29, 30

Our faith can fluctuate quickly in stops and starts.  Peter, in a moment of great faith, stepped out of the boat on to the fierce sea because he saw Jesus up ahead.  But, when he saw how strong the wind was and how high the waves he began to sink. 

Sometimes, like Peter, we step out in faith, out of our flimsy comfort zone, and move towards Jesus, believing he can get us through whatever we are facing. Then, when we look around and focus again on our problem rather than God, we are overcome by strong winds of emotion and waves of doubt. The power and strength of our problem looks bigger than God.

As soon as Peter began to sink he shouted, "Lord, save me!"   Jesus quickly reached out his hand and caught him and tenderly rebuked him saying, “Little Faith, why did you waver?” Then, Jesus and Peter climbed into the boat together and the wind was stilled. 

Sometimes we feel like our problem is too big for God.  That's the time to call out, “Lord, save me.”  He will not let us fall.  Even in our weakest moments, when our faith is small, Jesus does not condemn, but reaches out to catch and hold us and gently encourage us to believe again. Together, with God, we will get back to that boat and move through the sea of our problem until the wind dies down and the sea is calm.

Lord, I do believe.  Help my unbelief. (Mark 9:24)

http://raynoah.com/2011/04/14/water-walking-faith/

Help

 As we work together, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s great kindness and then ignore it.  For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, God is ready to help you right now! Today is the day of salvation.

2 Cor 6:1-2 (NLT)

No matter how we feel, God always stands ready to help us.

Sometimes we get wrapped up in ourselves and our problems. Our negative thought patterns can dominate our minds to the point that we actually ignore God's great kindness.  As soon as we wake up and call to him for help he responds.  He is always there ready to help.  Today, is the day of salvation.

Lord, thank you for your word that reminds us that you are always standing next to us ready to help.  Let us turn our hearts and minds to you so that we can receive the help we need right when we need it.  

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Heb 4:16 (NLT)

 

Yoked With Christ

 

  Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Matt 11:28-30 (NLT)

I've fallen again into a pit of fear and despair making all seem dark and hopeless.  How is it I keep falling into this pit, Lord?  It is the pull of the old self that draws us down with it's deceitful desires, wounds and weakness, selfishness and pride. It's not the cares of life, but ourselves that are our heavy burden. It was Henry Van Dyke who said, "Self is the only prison that can bind the soul."*

Yet, I am yoked with Christ.  He being the stronger of the two should always take the lead, but sometimes if I try to step ahead, he lets me lead until I fall again into the pit.  He doesn't leave me there. He doesn't condemn me.  There he waits for me to acknowledge my condition and look to him.  Then he will pull me out of that pit in his time and his way.  It's easy for him.  Yoked with him I may still stumble, but he will always be there to pull me up and steady me again.

Lord, thank you for loving me, for being my Savior.  Thank you, that because I am forever yoked with you, I cannot fail. Come quickly and pull me up from the pit of despair. Lift me up onto solid ground again so that I may praise you with joy.  Do not let my weaknesses overwhelm me. Hold me up, Lord.  Keep me from falling.  Thank you that you will never let me go.


*Quoted from Let Go, by Fenelon. Introduction.

Jewels

O storm-battered city, troubled and desolate! 

 I will rebuild you on a foundation of sapphires

 and make the walls of your houses from precious jewels. 

 I will make your towers of sparkling rubies 

and your gates and walls of shining gems.

Isaiah 54:11-12 (NLT)

God builds his houses of precious and beautiful jewels.  It takes fire, heat, darkness and pressure to create gemstones. And then they have to be cut and tumbled and polished and fired again to make the beautiful jewel ready to be set.  All the fire and darkness and pressure and tumbling that we go through in this life is producing for us an eternal house made of precious and beautiful stones.  He is working in us through every trial and struggle to create in us beautiful, clear and bright jewels that will shine forever.

God, I thank you for the hard times and the struggles because I know they are accomplishing your work and creating in me a beautiful house made of costly and precious jewels.  You see the end from the beginning, so I entrust myself into your care.

 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. 

Yet they produce for us a glory

 that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!

2 Cor 4:17 (NLT)

And you are living stones that God

 is building into his spiritual temple.

1 Peter 2:5 (NLT)