September 10, 2016 Entirely Ready To Live In Peace
Saturday September 10, 2016
Relationship difficulties often cut away at our heart even from the time we were very young. We longed for peace in our homes but settled for coping and hiding. Our addictive lifestyles became an expression of our buried inner pain and anger.
In Step 4 we completed an inventory of how we spoke against family members and friends, how we did them wrong by manipulating them, how we treated them without consideration or respect, repeatedly breaking promises, and countless other expressions of harm. In order to move into a lifestyle of peace and joy, we now have to establish new habits of integrity, kindness, and respect.
The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. (Psalm 29:11, Psalm 34:14 NLT)
Our default position has been lying, cheating, stealing and other expressions of self-interest. When we disagreed in a relationship, we easily said angry words, made a sarcastic comment, told others what a jerk that person was, criticizing and blaming them for our feelings and behaviour. Are we entirely ready to let go of all these expressions of anger and lashing out that have been our tools of coping for so many years? Are we prepared to have God challenge every ugly thought and negative word we have towards any person in any situation? This is God’s path for us to find the peace of mind and heart we have desired for so long.
I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways. (Psalm 85:8 NLT)
Are we ready at all times to speak the truth to God, to ourselves, and to others? Only God can sort our hearts and strengthen us for this new way of living. Stuffing our pain and lying to cover up what’s really going on inside us are character defects God is willing to remove. Let’s ask God to help us become entirely ready for the work needed within us to bring peace and blessing to our lives.
©2016 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ www.partnersinhope.ca/resources
Audio for September 10, 2016 Entirely Ready To Live In Peace
Recent Meditations
Giving Hope
Partners in Hope is supported wholly by our friends and community. We are thankful to everyone who partners with us to help bring hope to the discouraged, hurting, and hopeless.