Peace is that One Word
My husband flipped over the month on the calendar this morning and I gaped in shock at how much time had passed since the beginning of the year. The beginning–the time you assess last year’s progress toward your goals, set new goals or measurements for the next 12 months~ and most importantly seek the Lord for that “Word” that speaks to His upcoming work in your life this year.
In late December, as our family crossed the Colorado River on our return trip from celebrating Christmas with our cousins, I was struck with a realization. The end of the year did not necessarily mean God’s work in a particular area of my life was complete but still in process. That thought tumbled into the next one which clued me into the reality that each year’s new “Word” was just the beginning of an ongoing work God is doing in my life. If I arrived at the end of the year and that work had not been accomplished in my life, I was not to worry. The Lord is still working in many creative ways to continue and complete His work for a long time to come.
In the past few years, the Lord has whispered words to me such as “Judgment,” “Love,” and “All.” But this year, my heart did not seem in tune with His voice. Where was He taking me on this year’s journey with Him? The word came slowly. Almost fuzzy as if I was imagining it. Soon it became a reality as the moments of this year began to unfurl. There in the midst of my experiences and prayers, the word floated through the mist to me.
“Peace.” How did “peace” follow “Love” and “All” I questioned. “Obedience” seemed more appropriate or perhaps disciplinary. If “All” wasn’t accomplished last year, then I’d better get stricter this year and focus on “obedience.” However, the Lord’s voice was gentle, not harsh as mine or my thoughts. He knew what I would need as this year rolled out.
“Peace.” I would need His peace more than anything else this year. It was a little ominous. My fretful nature was already conjuring up incidents that would require His peace to carry me through. Already I was focusing on the wrong thing. I was recalling the illness I had last fall and other issues that were troubling me.
Could that be the reason he wanted me to embrace His peace above everything this year?
Not even two months into the new year, we had to face a difficult decision that affected our entire family. The sweet, lovable dog that had become a member of our family had been suffering with weak hind legs for several months. Hubby and I had decided that when Chip couldn’t maneuver the stairs up to our bedroom, we would make that inevitable decision.
On February 10, we said “Good-bye” to our wonder dog, Chip, as Hubby called him. And promptly on February 23 I came down with another illness. Through the turmoil of life’s circumstances, God laid His hand upon me and whispered, “Peace. Rest in My Peace.”
-
- Pals always
-
- The boys loved Chip like a third boy to rough and tumble with.
-
- Celebrating Christmas
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV
At the end of this month, Hubby will have hip replacement surgery, and I will need to rest in His peace again.
“I don’t know what the future may hold, but I know who holds the future,” is so often quoted (Ralph Abernathy). And I will learn this year to trust Him and rest in His peace.
Today’s Bible Verse on Bible Gateway seemed significant for my One Word this year:
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:25-26 NIV
Trusting you will find His Peace this year as well~
Linking with: To Tell His Story, Tell Me A Story, Testimony Tuesday, Thought-Provoking Thursday, Weekend Whispers, Woman to Woman, Faith-Filled Friday, Word of God Speak, Give Me Grace, The Beauty in His Grip, Monday Musings
Visiting here from Thought-Provoking Thursdays at 3-D Lessons for Life! I love that you use Scripture in your blog posts! Praying the Word will reach many through your blog.
Hi Janis!
I started with the “peace” word over a year ago and am still working through it! I think as turmoil reigns around the world, it tends to fester in our hearts, and many are craving it. I’ve been taking my blog readers through a study of peace this year, and there is much to learn about peace: different meanings and types of peace, different ways to achieve it, God’s gifts of peace to us, and how we can actually prime our lives to possess it.
Thank you for sharing the wonderful family pictures of Chip! He was adorable. It is so difficult to say goodbye to a furry family member. They bring such joy, and peace, to our lives. The loss is tangible, emotional, and spiritual.
I’ll be praying for both you and Hubby! May God grant you much Shalom as you take this journey!
Blessings,
Andrea Arthur Owan
Dear Andrea,
Thank you for encouragement that it takes longer than a year, and maybe a lifetime, before God’s Word is worked in us completely.
The study you are doing on “peace” at your blog sounds interesting. I think I will need to pop over there and join you. Much to be learned.
Thank you for stopping by, and for your understanding words about the loss of Chip. They are much appreciated.
Shalom,
Janis
Janis – I am so sorry to hear about Chip. It is crazy how the decision to put a pet down is done with such pain and difficulty. Psalm 73 is probably my most favorite portion of Scripture. My “go to” chapter when I need peace. He’s our portion – exactly what we need for the day. He is what we need in the “Now” moment. Praying for God to bring comfort to your hearts, health to you, and a safe & speedy recovery for your husband. May you remember that you still belong to Him (verse 23) and He is yours forever (verse 26). Blessings! xo
Dear Joanne~you are such a dear friend. Thank you for your words of encouragement from Psalm 73. I will read them often and inscribe them on my heart during this time. Thank you for your prayers as well which are deeply treasured.
Blessings,
Janis
Praying for your hubby’s surgery today, Janis. Hugs
Hi Lyli, Thank you for your prayers and for stopping by. I loved your analogy story of the girl who always wanted to be in control, and in the end surrendered her unpredictable circumstances to the Lord. I looked for a place to comment but couldn’t find one.
You sure have been through a lot lately. I’m glad your husband is doing better.
Blessings,
Janis
Chip was really special and certainly a family member. We put our kitty to rest a little over a year ago and I couldn’t stop crying for days. Your hearts were just as broken I’m sure.
Hi Marcia, sweet friend. Thank you for remembering how special Chip was~still is. It is difficult to say good-bye to our furry family members when they have given us so much love for so long. I know you understand.
Blessings,
Janis
Hello Lydia, Thank you for visiting. I try to use Scripture in every blog post so I hope you will drop in again, soon.
Blessings to you,
Janis
Janis,
It was so great to see you this morning at Word of God Speak. I hope you come back and link again. I am sorry about your pal dying. I remember our first lost – 15 year old bichon. First dog. First lost. Then we lost Sabrina only after a few years. We now have Snowball whom you met and she is now 6 six years old and hasn’t spent a full winter up north. Hope your health improves and all goes well with your hubby’s surgery.
Blessings,
Janis
Janis, it’s so good to see you here. It’s been a long time but then, it’s been awhile since I’ve posted. Thank you for sharing your experiences with those furry family members. They really do steal our hearts. Thanks for your good wishes for our health as well!
Blessings, Janis
God knew what He was doing to give you that word peace. It’s true that He gives a peace that we cannot manufacture on our own. Even thorough difficult circumstances I have been able to be at peace knowing that God is in control, that He loves me and will accomplish His purposes. Blessings to you! I’m your neighbor at both #WeekendWhispers and #WordofGodSpeak.
Thank you, Gayl, for stopping by. It’s wonderful to hear how the peace of God has settled on you as you trust in His complete control and His love for you. Good to meet you.
Blessings, Janis
Oh Janis. I am so saddened by the news about Chip. It’s so hard letting go of our furry friends. But I’m pretty convinced that God has something wonderful planned for them in eternity, and I feel confident that we’ll see them again.
I can understand your misgivings about the word *peace* – about being afraid of what it might mean. I felt the same way when I God gave me the word *joy* a couple of years ago. But, God wove new meaning to that word, and I know that He will do the same for you. For indeed, sometimes we only learn the true depth of these words when we really need them the most.
Thanks for your recent comment on my blog. It’s always good to see you in my “neck of the woods”!! And yes, I did receive your email in December, and I replied back to it. I hope you got that – or did I get lost in spam?! Email me when you get a chance, and we’ll catch up on life!! And please keep my posted on your husband’s surgery.
Love to you and yours, friend.
GOD BLESS!
Some typos in my comment – *senior moments*…grrr!
Hi Sharon,
It’s so good to be writing again! And it’s great to stay in touch with you. I have missed you.
Thank you for your sympathies on the loss of Chip, our special dog.
I sure hope we get to see our wonderful pets that have blessed our lives as one of God’s gifts.
About that email–I think it must have been lost in my spam–yikes! So I’ll email you again.
Congratulations on your new grandchild! I missed out on hearing about that.
Blessings,
Janis
Thank you Janis. I am reaching for His peace these days. It slips through my grasp more often than not, but then I remember to reach again. Praying you through your season. So sorry about your doggie.
Thank you, Barbie, for your sweet heart reaching out to me, and thank you for your prayers!
I will lift you in prayer as well as you go through many transitions.
Blessings,
Janis
It is always so difficult to say good bye to a family pet. Tears are flowing and it almost makes us sick to lose them. I am so glad Jesus gives us HIS Peace.
Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
Thank you, Hazel, for dropping in. It truly is a loss when we have to say good-bye to our long-loved pets. I am grateful to the Lord for carrying us through this time.
Blessings,
Janis
Dear Friend,
Thanks for your ever encouraging words. Your gift of words are always an encouragement to me and I consider the skill and gifts you have in writing a gift from the Lord to my life. You bring His word to practice in your life which brings joy to my heart. Yes He is the strength of my heart and my portion forever! When I look at all the things and issues of health and life and the world I know He is forever faithful and true to get me through. Thanks for being my friend and sharing the Word in the world! Love you and Praying for Tom’s healing!
Julie, you bless me more than you know. I am so encouraged by whatever you see in my writing, and I can only humbly thank you and praise God if He uses these words to bring others closer to Himself. You will always be my dearest friend and a strong friend through the storms of life.
Thank you for your prayers for Tom!
Love you.