Spring is here! There’s something about the rainfall, newness of life, and sunshine that puts me in a good mood and brings hope. What does spring symbolize for you?
For many, springtime signals moving forward. I still live on semester timelines, so spring is typically a season of reflection once May hits. But spring is already here, and the introspection and reflecting have already begun!
Can anyone else relate?
Oftentimes when I take the time to reflect and think back on the year (or last few months), I am struck by God’s ability to plan better than I can (seriously, SO much better than I can. Planning is really not a strength for me!). In realizing this, and in seeing how He has worked things together in my life (such as relationships that have been a blessing) I am filled with peace.
Peace.
The word that is hard to describe and difficult to recognize.
Peace is being filled with God’s presence.
Isaiah 55:3 puts it well: “Incline your ear and come to Me.
Listen, that you may live;
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
According to the faithful mercies shown to David.”
Wow. I find this verse freeing—because it is all about intimacy with God! The pressure is not at all on me, and that is so good.
I often try to earn God’s love—I equate His affection with the things of this world and how they can be earned, like studying in order to receive a good grade.
But God’s affections are not like this! He chose us, and there is nothing we can do to negate this “everlasting covenant” as the verse above states it.
Covenants are a BIG deal. In the Old Testament, God used covenants to establish promises with His people, and continually showed His faithfulness by keeping His promises. God establishing a covenant with us means that the pressure is placed where it should be—on the One who can make it happen.
Acknowledging my lack of ability to earn God’s love brings peace, but is a daily battle. Philippians 4:6-7 is a passage I return to often for encouragement in this area. It 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.”
I love that the Bible doesn’t glaze over anxiety and being anxious—it is acknowledged and seen as real (because it is). Anxiety is expected, but there is also a remedy. What is it?
PRAYER.
Also, thankfulness. We can approach God in prayer thanking Him for what He has given us while being honest about what we are struggling with or desiring. We are literally told to talk to God and ask Him for help! Once again, we see the theme of relying on God instead of self.
The result? We receive “the peace of God”.
Yes, please.
This peace transcends understanding. How amazing! We can have peace even when it doesn’t make sense. Not only that, but this understanding will guard us! Pretty helpful, right?
My hope is that in the midst of turbulence, anxieties, and struggles, we would be bold in asking God for help, trusting that the peace He will give does abundantly more than we could on our own.
With you,
Carmen
Nice one