How to become calm? ...

Thursday, Nov 17, 2016. In the biblical text we looked at yesterday we read about the peace of God which can come into our hearts. Yet, that is difficult, sometimes. Yesterday evening I had a long discussion with a woman who was deeply hurt and in trouble by a relationship which went wrong, including physical violence at the end. She is upset and hurt and in a big mess!

Others and myself …

Let us recall the core part of the biblical text from yesterday. Let us read, but then also confront it with our difficulties …

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (from Philippians 4)

It can be others which call distress. It can also be myself. When I act wrongly, even if I do not hurt anyone else, it can keep me from finding what I am longing for. Paul urges us into prayer, into supplication with thanksgiving. It is prayer which seems to be at the heart of life! And it is.

Searching Him …

I believe that the Lord is and has peace. He has peace for us. His peace surpasses all understanding. It is not against understanding, it is just more than understanding. And he can and will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Yesterday I had to tell someone that humans are worth a fortune. Every single human is of unbelievable value to the Lord. Everyone - independent of wealth, education or personal situation or status. You are worth more than anyone on the planet could ever pay! That is a truth which is beyond our understanding. Yet, it is important. Start to get a clue of your own value, and the value of any other person around you!

Now, we might need to break down this big value into single and individual steps. We need to break it down into our life, our words, our deeds today. Lord, please guide us with wisdom and understanding, guide us with blessing and fortune, to follow your path in full! (Roland Potthast) ... more texts