Thank you God, for my Peace in 2017

I’m gonna start off this year with the theme from last year, Peace. Peace is what held me together last year. Peace is what kept me going. If it wasn’t for peace I wouldn’t have survived. Haha some of you maybe thinking, “That’s not how peace works.” It’s probably not how the peace of the world works but it is how God’s peace works. You don’t have to work for God’s peace or strive for it. It is something that is freely given, you just have to receive it.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “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.” God’s peace goes beyond your circumstance, problems, or emotions. It transcends; rises above, surpasses. The BlueLetterBible has the words understanding as, “intellect, mind (human; in thought, feeling, or will.)” Isn’t that awesome that we don’t have bear the weight of everything that is going on around us. That we can have peace and know that God is in control.

In 2017 I struggled with everything; my business, my family, my social life. In all areas I was lacking and whenever I turned to God He gave me peace. My situation didn’t change right there and then but I did; my perspective did and because of that I was able to handle the situation. So I thank God for the peace He gave me through the struggles. What a blessing it was to be able to endure, preserve, persist and press on! I love this verse by Paul,

“…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians‬ ‭3:13-14‬,

Pressing on, moving forward no matter how many times we fall. Isn’t God good?! That no matter how much we stray or fall He is always there to pick us back up. He is forever faithful never leaving us or forsaking us! To me 2017 was an amazing year because I met so many God-loving people who taught me through their obedience that the Lord is our ever-present help no matter how small or big the problem seems. Through their everyday words I was encouraged to keep going, to keep seeking, to keep loving, not only God but loving others around me. I said in one of my devotions (here) last year that I need to want the Lord, because I know I need the Lord but until that need becomes a want, I won’t go anywhere. I won’t be pressing on and I certainly wouldn’t be as loving, haha. Thanks be to God that He is loving and faithfull. He is our prefect example to live by.

Scriptures:

These are most of the verses that kept me afloat during 2017. I hope you’ll be encouragement by them in 2018:

‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength. ‘
Philippians 4:13

‘You covet, and have not: you kill, and envy, and can not obtain. You contend and war, and you have not, because you ask not.’
James 4:2

‘Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ‘
James 4:7

‘So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. ‘
Galatians 4:7

‘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

‘Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.’
Romans 13:14

‘My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies.’
Psalms 25:15

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”’
Matthew 11:28-30

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Exodus‬ ‭14:14‬

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
Isaiah‬ ‭43:1‬b

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬

‘ “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” ‘
Mark 9:23-24

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” ‭
John‬ ‭16:33‬

‘And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.’
Colossians 2:6-7

“The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus‬ ‭33:14‬

‘I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. ‘
Psalm 34:4

‘…yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. ‘
Habakkuk 3:18

‘I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. ‘
Psalm 32:8

‘Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. ‘
Psalm 105:4

“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
2 Chronicles‬ ‭20:15b‬ ‭

‘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

‘And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ‘
1 Peter 5:10