Finding Peace and Joy

A blanket of mist covers the land and it asks the Earth to sleep a bit longer.

Today the weather here in Minnesota is cold and the land has one to two feet of snow blanketing the ground.  It feels and looks more like January than the middle of March.  Oh well, we could have more snow and it could be colder out.  I sure hope that when spring arrives, it comes on a weekend!  Enough with the gloom and doom, we have a good life that God has provided for us, and complaining only darkens our world and takes away the blessings that God has provided for us by blinding our hearts to his goodness that is all around us.  (Matt. 14: 15-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.)

God did not promise us beautiful sunny days with happiness throughout. What he did promise us was an inner joy that transcends the circumstances that we sometimes find ourselves in.  (Phil. 4:7)  Now if one was to think about it for a moment, what is more important, to seek after continual happiness that is determined always by external circumstances, or finding peace within?  The former leaves one like the person in a small boat out at sea, always at the mercy of the things around him, tumultuous seas or calm.  Is that possible or realistic, as one has to admit, it does not.  God has so much to teach us in order for us to grow. Some of those lessons require sacrifice and loss, while others are filled with joy and calm.  One person once said that it would be difficult to appreciate happiness if we only knew that and nothing else. 

Mississippi river waiting for Spring.

So, how does one find this joy and peace?  (Romans 15: 4-6 says,  “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures, and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.”

 “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement, give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”)

We then see that the way to joy and peace is found by reading God’s word, and receiving the instruction and support that our Lord gives when reading and understanding scripture.  Each time before opening the Bible I ask God to open my mind to understand what he would have me to learn.  I know that it does not consist of any formulaic pattern, God speaks to those that desire his will and want all that he has for them, that is, with his plan for our lives.  God’s word in Jeremiah 29: 11 states, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” 

Seek God this week by talking with him, and reading his word.  Soon you will find that his path for your life will bring you the peace and help that you seek.

Winter Wood near Winona, Minnesota