Peace? Amidst This Craziness!?

What comes to mind when you think about the word "peace"?

Lying on a private beach, listening to the ocean waves lapping against the shore?

Cuddling up with a good book next to a cozy fire in a quiet house? 

Hiking through the woods with only the sights and sounds of God's Creation surrounding you?

Strolling with your husband/wife through freshly falling snow while the rest of the world sleeps?

Maybe it has to do with the season of life I am in, but any image of "peace" I can conjure up has to do with quietness... as in no little kids running around, making noise, clamoring for my attention.

"Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart."  -Catherine Marshall

That's a nice quote, Catherine Marshall, but do you have young kids at home? If so, it must have been a long time ago!

This is probably a good time to confess that I do struggle with anxiety. What triggers it? Lots of chaos. Lack of order. Messes everywhere. Lots to do and not enough time to do it. Lots of kids making lots of noise. You know, the events that make up the majority of my life right now.

I read this verse in my quiet time this morning, and it caught my attention, for obvious reasons. 

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.

not as the world gives do I give to you.

Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor let it be fearful."

John 14:27 -NASB

These were Jesus' words to his disciples not long before His Crucifixion.

"My peace I give to you," says the Prince of Peace Himself. Wow. How do I get some of that?

I used Vines Expository Dictionary to further understand the kind of peace Jesus is referring to. Is he referring to that peaceful feeling you get on a quiet beach?

Partly. He is referring to "a sense of rest and contentment." 

But not the "sense of rest and contentment" that comes 

   from being alone or

        from being on top of things or

           from having calm children. 

It's "the sense of rest and contentment that comes from the harmonized relationship between God and man, accomplished through the gospel."

When our hearts find a restored relationship with

     our Maker, 

          the Lover of our souls, 

               the One who gave His only Son to bridge the gap that separates      

                    our sinful hearts from His Holy Majesty,

then we find peace. A security. A knowing that all will be well - will be perfect in fact - when we arrive in our true home, where we will spend Eternity with our Father. Our Savior. 

A knowing that all is well in the meantime, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. 

     We know that God is good. (Psalm 136:1)

          We know that God is Sovereign. (Psalm 103:19)

               We know that God is for us. (Romans 8:31)

These truths provide a shelter for us in the midst of any storm. In the midst of any amount of chaos.

"I do not give to you as the world gives to you," Jesus said.

What does the world give us? Trouble. Fear. Anxiety. Lies.

Lies that we have to be in control in order to experience peace. Well, that doesn't seem to be a very good deal. We can't control the weather. We can't control what the people around us do (try as we might). We can't control what happens to the people we love. We can't control which diseases take over our body. We can't control what disasters may occur around us. If we believe this lie, we will never be at peace!

God is the Creator of the Universe, 

     the Sustainer of all living things, 

          the King of Kings, 

               the Sovereign Lord, 

                    the Ultimate Victor over sin,

                         over death, and 

                              over the Enemy.

And I have an intimate relationship with Him. They say "it pays to know people in high places." Well, I know the One in the Highest Place. He promises never to leave me or forsake me, a promise no one besides God can keep. 

This gives me a peace - a calm - a sense of rest and contentment in my heart that cannot be shaken by messes or noisy kids. Nor by diseases nor disasters. Not even by a breach in national security. It's a peace that transcends all understanding. (Philippians 4:6-8)

Do you have peace in your heart today? It's available to you, too.

“Jillian, Jillian. You are distracted by many things, but only one thing is needed.”

"Ugh. The kids haven’t done their morning chores yet. I still need to finish the dishes from last night and figure out what we’re having for breakfast. How am I going to squeeze my shower in before I go teach preschool? At least I got my workout in this morning, but I really need a shower. Maybe after I get the big kids off to school?..."

Maybe your mornings aren’t exactly like mine, but do you ever find yourself “pulled away” from spending time basking in the LORD’s presence –enjoying relationship with Him- by more “urgent” matters?

Our vacation is quickly coming to an end and I find myself frantically trying to squeeze in some projects I want to accomplish before the students return and things get really busy again.

Of course, things don't usually work out smoothly, so the project I have worked on for two days is STILL not finished. I am irritable. Distracted. Frustrated. Overwhelmed.

Tonight, I hear my Father speaking to me through this passage.
Luke 10:38-42

³⁸ As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one.^[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

"Jillian," my Father gently calls out to me. I don't hear Him because I am distracted, still running around.

"Jillian," He lovingly calls to me again, with obvious compassion in His voice. 

"Huh?" I finally glance in His direction. Now that He somewhat has my attention He continues, "You are worried and upset about many things."

I consider that for a moment... Yes, well, He does have a point.

"Okay, so I am."

"But..." He's about to present a contrast. "But what?" I wonder. "Take a look around, Jesus. Do you see the mess all around me? Do you see how many things are left on my to-do list? Do you see what time it is already?"

"But," He continues, "only ONE thing is needed."

Needed. Essential. Absolutely necessary.

I look around me. "Oh no, there is way more than ONE thing that needs to be done around here!"

"Mary has chosen what is better..."

"No He didn't. He's comparing me to my lazy sister!? And exalting her idleness??"

"And..." He finishes, "It will NOT be taken from her."

"So I can't look down on her or try to make her feel guilty for not being as productive as I am? But I'm serving, LORD. Isn't that what You told me to do? Maybe if she helped out a little more, I'd have some time to just sit at the feet of Jesus' myself."

“That is your choice, Jillian. Mary has chosen to sit with me and build relationship with me. You are choosing to run around, striving to accomplish apart from me. It’s good that you want to serve others and keep things orderly, but it is not vital.

“Only ONE thing is absolutely necessary... remaining in me. Because apart from ME, you can do no good thing. All your striving is in vain. Choose Me, daughter. I delight in you. I am dying to spend time with you. I have so much to reveal to you and I want to hear all about what's going on in your heart. Let's take on the world together. I'll give you insight and guide you, one step at a time. We can laugh together along the journey. I will infuse your actions with power and you can marvel at My Glory and encourage others to do the same. 

My will is definitely NOT for you to be anxious and upset. I have given my life so that you may enjoy an abundant life. A life overflowing with joy and love. Peace and security. Hope and contentment. I can give you all this. Just choose me above all else, my sweet daughter. Stop wasting your time and energy. Apart from Me, you can do no good thing. I promise, I will never let you down.”

"Jesus, please help me to make a better choice tomorrow. To choose what is best instead of letting myself be pulled away by the less important distractions in life. Thanks for persevering in Your love for me. I know I don't deserve it, but I certainly am grateful."

Identity Crisis

Who am I? I know the right answer. I am a daughter of the King, cherished and loved unconditionally. But do I really believe this?… Or do I tend to believe the lie that Satan feeds me?

performance + others’ opinions = my self worth    

If I’m honest, I fall into the performance trap Robert McGee writes about in his book The Search For Significance. 

I must meet certain standards to feel good about myself.

I must be disciplined in my spiritual life.

I must keep my house clean and orderly.

I must exercise regularly.

I must know that others like and admire me.

I must be productive.

I must accomplish.

I must serve.

I must…

Don’t you feel exhausted just reading this list?

• Are they bad things to aim for?   No.
• Do they please the LORD?   Yes (with the right motivation).
• Do I have to do all OR ANY of these things in order to have worth and value?   NO!
• Do I really believe that? …I’m not sure.

Where can I go to find and convince myself of the truth? God’s Word says…

God made him who had no sin [Christ] to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. ~2 Corinthians 5:21

When he died on the cross, a display of His unconditional love for me, Jesus exchanged my sin and unworthiness for His righteousness and worthiness. Since I trust Him and have accepted His free gift of salvation, when God looks at me He no longer sees my sins and failures: He sees the righteousness of Christ in me! It is understandable why some have trouble accepting this gift. It is so extravagant! It’s unreasonable. Why would He do that? … Have you ever been in love? That’s how much God loves you (times a million :)

But God demonstrates His love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ~Romans 5:8 

And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.   ~2 Corinthians 5:15.

Out of gratefulness and love for Him, of course I want to please Him by living according to His Word. But what if I fail? Do I lose my salvation? Does my worth diminish?

My salvation is secure for all eternity. In addition, God has given me a secure self-worth totally apart from my ability to perform. I have received Christ’s righteousness and am consequently a woman who is found fully pleasing to God, regardless of my performance.

Wow! What freedom lies in this truth! When I blow it, when I fail, when I drop the ball… I think God must look at me and see this: (my compost bin)



But that is simply not true. Regardless of my performance, regardless of what others may think of me…every time God looks at me He sees something more like this:



or this:



or maybe this:



Do you want to know more about what God thinks of you?  Read Isaiah 43:1-7 and insert your name after each “you” in the text. You will be blown away!

But this is what the LORD says  

He who created you, Jillian. He who formed you, Jillian. 

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you, Jillian; 

I have summoned you by name; you, Jillian, are mine. 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, Jillian. 

And when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you, Jillian. 

When you walk through the fire, you, Jillian, will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 

For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior, Jillian. 

I give Egypt for your ransom, Jillian, Cush and Seba in your stead. 

Since you, Jillian, are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, Jillian. 

I will give men in exchange for you, Jillian, and people in exchange for your life. 

Do not be afraid, Jillian, for I am with you. 

I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west…everyone who is called by My Name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. 

Isaiah 43:1-7

Does it bring you to tears to know the truth about how much God loves you…how precious you are to him? LORD, help me to get over myself and simply receive your love and your salvation and the worth that YOU have freely given me… worth that cannot be earned and cannot be taken away. I love you.

If you still need more affirmation about your worth to God, read on…

1. God uniquely created me. I am eternally valuable. 

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.   ~Psalm 139:13-14

2. God placed me in His family. I am unconditionally accepted.  

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.  ~1 Peter 2:9

3.  God gifted me to fulfill His purpose. I am uniquely significant.  

For [I] am God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for [me] to do.   ~Ephesians 2:10

4. God delights in me.  

He will take great delight in [me], He will quiet [me] with His love, He will rejoice over [me] with singing.   ~Zephaniah 3:17

If you are convinced for the first time of God’s unconditional love for you and would like to make sure that you are a part of His family, please click here or please contact me, a fellow sister overwhelmed by His extravagant love for me! :)

Anxiety - I have a choice to make

Anxiety – I have a choice to make

I am prone to anxiety. It is in my family history. I have stomach issues before track meets, big tests, public speaking, my wedding day, etc… 

So, yes, I was expecting this familiar companion to come around during our upcoming major life change… moving our family to an unfamiliar land across the ocean to serve as missionaries. This time, however, I can hear God whispering into my heart:

“You can drop this unwanted companion. I did not send him to you. My arch enemy did. But I can help you get rid of him. Anxiety does not have to accompany you on this journey.”

“Do you think Moses had the luxury of a master plan laid out before him, detailing what was going to happen and when it was going to happen when I called him to deliver my people from Egypt? And what about Mary when I called her to carry, deliver and raise the Son of God? Did I give her a weekly schedule? And Paul when I called him to carry the message of salvation all over the world? Did I present him with an itinerary up front? No, my precious daughter. Like them, I have called you on a journey of faith.

I am not calling you to control this event, so people can know how capable you are. I am giving you the luxury of a sneak peak at where I’m leading you. Now, I want you to trust Me and marvel at the ways I will bring it to pass. I want you to point to Me when others marvel as well. Trust me and follow me. I have it all under control and all mapped out. I’ll tell you what to do… one day at a time. Rest in My capable hands. And don’t forget to enjoy the adventure!”

Wow! I have room for one companion on this journey. “Trust” in Almighty God or “Anxiety” from the enemy. I have a choice to make. 

When I wake up in the morning with an anxious stomach ache, my head swarming with the million things I need to do- which quickly turns into a state of being overwhelmed, I will, with the help of my Father, turn my thoughts in a different direction. I will choose to trust and be thankful. I will speak out loud:

“LORD, I have heard Your call to Africa and I will trust You to get us there.

Those who know Your Name will trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You. ~Psalm 9:10

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. ~Prov. 3:5-6

 Today, I will seek You. I will listen. And I will do only what you tell me to do.

But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ~Matt. 6:33

I claim Your peace in this moment.  In the Name of Jesus, I will not let the enemy steal it from me.

Now may the LORD of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. ~2Thes. 3:16 

Cast all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ~1 Peter 5:7-8

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. ~John 10:10

I’m not going to pretend that I have the strength or time management skills to pull this off. You are my strength.

The LORD is the stronghold of my life. ~Psalm 27:1

For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’ ~Isaiah 41:13

I will follow You as You lead me… one day at a time. ”

Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~Matthew 6: 34

I have been using a devotional book called Jesus Calling by Sarah Young in my quiet time with God each morning. The following are some excerpts that have been especially challenging to me:

“When your focus is firmly on Me, My peace displaces fear and worries. They will encircle you seeking entrance, so you must stay alert! Let trust and thankfulness stand guard, turning back fear before it can gain a foothold.” (Jesus Calling, June 3^rd)

“Welcome challenging times as opportunities to trust Me. You have Me beside you and My Spirit is within you, so no set of circumstances is too much for you to handle. When the path before you is dotted with difficulties, beware of measuring your strength against those challenges. That calculation is sure to riddle you with anxiety! Without me, you wouldn’t make it past the first hurdle… Let your thoughts and spoken words be richly flavored with trust and thankfulness. Regardless of the days [challenges], I can keep you in perfect peace as you stay close to me.” (Jesus Calling, June 4th)

 

Antidote for fear and anxiety = Trust and thankfulness

And so I am claiming this verse: LORD, You have established peace for us; all that we have accomplished You have done for us. ~Isaiah 26:12

In  church on Sunday, we sang the song Give Me Faith (to listen on YouTube, click here) by Elevation Worship and as we sang these words, I felt my heart crying out to God:

            “I may be weak… but Your Spirit’s strong in me!

My flesh may fail… but My God, You never will!”  

What a privilege it is to serve Almighty God! His love and grace and mercy and power humble me. 

Oh, how I love You. Oh, how I trust You. May my life bring honor and glory and praise to Your holy Name. Please use our family to Declare Your glory among the nations, Your marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise! ~Psalm 96:3-4