Peace in the midst of Pressure

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3).

Earlier in life, I can remember times when as a young mother, I longed for times of peace and quiet. My children would awake; my day started and the pressures of life seem to start closing in the minute our feet hit the floor. Life at times can seem out of balance. The balance of everyday living can create a lot of pressure and become overwhelming. Our Heavenly Father, states in his word, HE will keep us in peace, in perfect peace, inward peace, outward peace, peace with God, peace at all times, under all events. This peace shall he put us into, and we shall keep possession of, whose mind is stayed upon God, because we trust in HIM.

When evil tidings arise, those who hearts have been fixed and trusting in the Lord will not fear. Psalms 112:7-8 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. (NIV)

Our Father’s love and support never changes. From the cradle to the grave, God has promised to give us the strength to meet any challenge. God has promised to lift us up and guide our steps if we let Him. God has promised that when we entrust our life to Him completely and without reservation, He will keep us in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on him. This gives you and the courage to face any trial and the wisdom to live in His righteousness.

Henry Kissinger said: “A diamond is a chunk of coal that is made good under pressure.”

Pressure reveals what is on the inside of us. We must resist the temptation to blame other people for our reactions. Some of us like to shift the blame because we don't have to take responsibility for our own mistakes and weaknesses. Christian maturity is revealed by how we behave in everyday life, particularly under pressure. How do we act when someone cuts us off in traffic? Or a person gets in an express check out lane at the grocery store with more than the required number of items? How do we act on our own in the little things reveals pretty much how we will react in bigger things?

Jesus is the Prince of Peace! He is the only one who can offer permanent peace. The Lord not only wants us to know His peace, but also He wants us to distribute His peace. Matt 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God”. Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. God Loves You and so do I….Pastor Tammy

Finding Hope in Difficult Times

What would it take to restore your hope? In this life, we will all find ourselves at one time needing someone to help lift our spirits. Someone to remind us that our present condition is not the conclusion of the matter. Hope means "to desire something with confident expectation of it's fulfillment." The state of Hopelessness has been suitably described as a type of "Hell on Earth" filled with endless despondency and despair.

Today, more and more people are finding themselves alone and depressed. Many of us have at one time or another felt the sting of hopelessness and despair. It is possible to find Hope in Difficult Times. Help is available, not the kind the world has wherein it wishes for the best. It is one thing to wish, and quite another to have faith based on the promises of God.

And, perhaps most important, you need direction. Psalm 16 is a great source of encouragement when you are in need of hope. Psalm 16:7-9 states I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Even if you reach what you consider to be your lowest point, God's word say's He will never leave or forsake you (Matt 28:20). He will give you peace and comfort even in the worst of circumstances. He can and will lead you through, over or around the muck and mire of your situation, and again set your feet on solid ground.

Our God is the God of new beginnings, and with Him nothing is impossible. Whether you are very young, or considered to be very old, trust in Him because with Him it is always just the beginning. You may even find yourself in such a situation through divorce, death of a spouse, loss of health, finances, or whatever, that forces you to begin all over again, but is that so bad? Trusting God in difficult times forces us to seek His guidance, and to trust in Him.

Trusting God through these uncharted waters takes faith and courage but is worth every effort. The path of His choosing is the only one that leads to true happiness.

As the Psalmist stated in Psalm 16 I will bless the Lord who hath given me counsel and even in the night seasons he will instruct me. When you can’t see your way, the Lord will instruct you. The Psalmist realized one key factor in finding hope; we must set the Lord before us always. When you truly believe God is intimately acquainted with you and your situation; and that he will put no more on you than you can bear; and that his grace is sufficient you will find hope even in the worst situation. If you can’t trace HIS hand, trust HIS heart.

In order to reap the benefits of the Christian life and to have protection, guidance, and comfort from the Holy Spirit one must first be born again and become a child of God.

The born again child of God has the unique privilege of talking to, and hearing from God, but this, the greatest resource available, is often neglected. We should always pray! Even in the darkest moments, when you don't feel His presence and think you will never smile again, pray anyway, because He is there; He is listening, and is an "ever present help in time of trouble" (Psa 46:1) God Loves You and so do I……. Pastor Tammy