A Norvell Note for January 18, 2021
Vol. 23 No. 03
A Place of Peace
May I suggest that you find a quiet place, take a few deep cleansing breaths, calm your mind, and read these words.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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. 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. (Philippians 4:4-9, NIV)
As reassuring as these words are to read, they are not always easy to practice during these anxious times. So, you may need to read them a second and third time. Be open to the certainty that God is speaking to you. Pause and meditate on words and phrases that resonate with you.
A return to these themes helps me reorder my inner world and return to a place of peace.
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. When I remember that the Lord is near that I am in His presence; it is easier for me to be gentle. God may appear in the tears of a frightened patient. The laughter of a child may signal His presence. The voice on the phone may remind you that He is near. You may see Him in the eyes above the mask of a co-worker. You may be His face in the mirror. Be gentle with them. Be gentle with yourself. The Lord is near.
Present your requests to God. Give it all to God, write them down, or say them out loud. Whatever it is, He wants to know what you fear and shy you are anxious. When you share it with Him, know that He is not judging you or condemning you. He is with you and is a gentle, loving God. He can handle all your anxieties and request.
Think about such things. Some people have stopped watching the news and disconnected from social media to avoid wrong thinking. If that works for you, do it. Replace the lies with the truth. Focus on people and things noble character. Instead of obsessing over all that is wrong with the world, look for what is right. Look for and practice purity. Search for what is lovely, beautiful, and exquisite. Concentrate on what admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Being in a place of peace may involve a change in your thinking.
The God of peace will be with you. Remind yourself that His near and present. He has promised that when we seek Him, we will find Him. You may hear His voice in a quiet moment or a song from your playlist. Take comfort in His presence, rest in His presence, and find joy in His company.
May you quiet the voices in your head and find a place of peace in the presence of God.
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