PEACE

It seems that one cannot turn on the television without hearing about the world's need for peace. The war in Iraq, the North Korean pending conflict, the school shootings and numerous acts of violence in our country. It is so disturbing and yet our own personal worlds are often so chaotic that there is no peace there, either. I have recently found my world sorely lacking in peace. When we left North Platte, NE, we both left a place that we loved very much. We had a beautiful home, a wonderful church family and jobs that we loved. We felt that God was leading us elsewhere. Our move to Lubbock was not pleasant---in fact, it was truly our time in the desert. We could not find jobs, we spent all our savings, we could not find our niche to work in the church, our friends from the past were all very busy, we gained weight and became depressed. (the only good thing was getting to be closer to two of my grandchildren for the first time in their lives ) I began to doubt God's work in my life. My spirit was not at peace.

Since that time in early May, I have spent much time in God's word and in prayer searching for that peace I'd once had. I began reading Psalms, as I often do when I am struggling. And lo and behold, I stumbled on Psalm 119:165---It says "Great peace have those who love your law and nothing can make them stumble". What an amazing passage---then I found Psalm 85:10 that talks about the entertwining relationship of love and faithfulness and peace and righteousness. I quickly realized that peace had only fled from me because my heart was no longer conducive. My heart had changed its focus ---I was worried about money, jobs, friends, etc. I was not focused on love, faithfulness and righteousness. Being faithful and righteous even in the desert produces an oasis of peace. While my time in the desert is not yet ended, I am so grateful God put those verses in my Bible to give me hope and I pray I don't forget them again.
Peace,
Neva