Seven steps to peace

Philippians: ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

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“Why is the sky so grey” and “why is there so much snow” and “why is that person driving so fast” and “who is this salesperson calling me” and “what is this slop they are serving for lunch.” This wintery day came to mind because I remember I had a lot of complaints. 

It seemed like everyone who was going crazy was aimed at me. In fact I think I had a problem with the way GOD was handling the situation that day.

• When I complain I can’t find peace.
• When I see everything that is wrong without seeing what is right I can’t find peace.
• When I set a selfish expectation of GOD I can’t find peace especially when HE acts like HE doesn’t hear me.

My idea of “peace” is a utopia that I dreamed up. It includes all my desires being filled without any consequence for my actions. BUT GOD doesn’t define “getting my way” as peace. In fact it seems quite the opposite.

• When I am falsely accused I can find peace in holding onto the truth.
• When I am tempted to use my gutter mouth I can find peace in using noble language.
• When I see an opportunity to get away with something I can find peace in doing what is right instead.
• When I have foul thought flash in my mind I can find peace in focusing on the pure.
• When I see someone acting ugly I can have peace seeing the person as lovely as GOD sees them.
• When I want to complain I can find peace when I look at what is admirable.
• When I feel like delivering something that isn’t “up to snuff” I can find peace when I am nudged to do it with excellence rather than cutting corners.

GOD is the holder of peace. HE leads me and guides me to much better places when my thinking is on HIM. I can truly find rest.

• What are you fighting about?
• Have you lost your peace?
• Can you stop thinking about negative things for a moment?
• Will you seek peace by thinking positively.