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Faces of Peace

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

Peace has many different faces and invades every situation. It can be quiet and unobserved, waiting to be noticed. It happens in the wee hours of the morning while rocking a tired, cranky baby, praying for rest and calm until suddenly you feel it— peace. It was there waiting, gently and softly. Rest. Peace. All is well; you are safe and secure. Sheltered.

Peace is there on an ordinary day when things are flowing smoothly, life is pleasant, and people are kind.

Peace is there in the absence of storms, just as real, alive, and powerful as it is during grueling trials that seem endless. Peace is there when the Doctor takes a deep breath and says, “I’m so sorry. You have breast cancer.” Peace keeps you from losing yourself to terror when desperation blasts in and you feel like you are drowning and have no control. Peace is there in the middle of the “what-ifs,” saying, “Yes! What if you are healed? What if you are well taken care of and never alone in this? What if you are held in arms that are bigger than all your fears, sheltered amid all this hurt and chaos? What if? What if…”

Peace reminds you that it was there before this storm hit, and it will be there forever after. Peace lifts your face and asks you to fasten your gaze steadily into the eyes of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. It is Jesus; peace is Jesus. Such calm, such safety, such rest.

My searching and desire for peace lead directly to Jesus. I won’t find it inside myself. That will fall short every time. I have tried being self-reliant and strong enough. The One who created me, when I was but a thought in His mind, wants me to feel peace, to know He is working out all things for good, according to that beautiful, unique plan that is my life. Your life. The time He took to carefully place us right where we are, surrounded by the people and circumstances that He brought into being, shows that He knows what He is doing. We win because He is victorious over death and sin. It is ok to not know what to do if you know the One who does. It is ok not to have it figured out. He already did that.

Can we walk out not knowing? We do it every day, don’t we? We wake up and go. However, the going is easier when we understand that He has us in His hands and that nothing comes toward us that He has not first filtered through hands of love, a mind of infinite wisdom, and a heart that loves us fiercely, intensely, and intimately. This is a wild love. It is not tame or controllable. Yet, in this fierce and protective love, we find the greatest of peace. Jesus.

It is Good

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

Morning begins as the sky blushes pink.

Tinges of sunlight peek through tree branches brightening the dew that gathered on the leaf tips.

The first gentle birdsong of the day breaks through the quiet morning in the meadow.

Nature’s alarm clock for sleepy, nestled down creatures.

Twitching noses tentatively sniff the chilled air. Who’s passed through during the night?

With that first chirp, meadow life shifts into motion for another day.

Grasses and tall flowers sway with the breeze, their stems bending low as fat bumblebees sip and tiny birds snip at seeds and insects along the delicate leaves and petals.

A mountain stream chatters and sings as it makes its way over branches and rocks.

Teeming with life, furry creatures wait motionless along the edges of the stream for their breakfast of insects, tadpoles, and crawdads. A full smorgasbord!

Far off, the repetitive pecking of a woodpecker echoes off the surrounding trees, blending in harmony with the full chorus of birdsong that resounds in the meadow.

So much life, so much beauty. Divine fingerprints everywhere.

A warmer afternoon lulls and soothes the busy inhabitants of the meadow. The pace of hunting, gathering, and gossiping fades and slows.

Traveling along its Creator made path the sun begins the descent toward the horizon.

The light and air take on a different feel – cooling, dimming, winding down.

Ethereal. Supernatural.

The day dwellers begin their tasks of settling in as snug dens and cozy nests beckon.

Night falls and the moon and stars take over the sky.

 Night dwellers stretch, sniff the cooling air, and begin their routines. Their time in the meadow has a different energy than that of the day timers.

It is a time of quiet, stealth, and keen observation. Eyes and ears always alert.

They are just as busy as the day creatures, but go about things in a careful, hushed, and methodical way.

Moonlight and shadows are their friends as mystery and other worldliness take center stage.

His Divine Presence is here in the cover of night just as much as in the light of day.

He looks at all of creation and says, “It is good.”

Hope Renewed

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Imagine the peace and beauty of being right here soaking in His presence. It’s lonely, wild, gentle, and wide open. Think of conversations with the Divine and the whispers of His words…

“When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.”

Photo credit: Tracy Jin, IG: @lucky_me_photography

Permission to Rest

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Jesus and His disciples had little if any leisure time during His time of ministry. The crowds were relentless. People were anxious to be near Jesus, to listen to His revolutionary teaching that set them free and released them from bondage, fear, and legalism. They heard He had the power to heal them physically and spiritually, so they came in droves with their illness and pain, with those suffering from demonic harassment and chains, for a chance to see Him, touch Him, be healed.

Being fully God and fully man, Jesus felt the physical and mental exhaustion of always being “on” and the deep fatigue of being surrounded by the hurting, needy, and lost. So, Jesus rested. He was diligent in removing Himself and His disciples for periods of refreshment, and spiritual and physical re-filling, so they could return encouraged and strengthened for the next task. He gave Himself and His disciples permission to rest, eat, and get away from the urgency of humanity knocking at the door of their hearts.

Our days may not be filled with healing the sick and enemy-harassed, or with traveling dusty roads that parch the mouth, or teaching on hillsides in the hot sun, but He knows what our days are filled with—chaotic relationships, disappointments, dreams that seem far from being realized, illnesses, past regrets that haunt our peace and the daily annoyances and offenses that threaten to become bigger than they need to be.

Jesus understands the physical and mental exhaustion of taking care of everyone else and the things we take on that are not ours to carry. Is He calling you to go with Him for a spell, to refresh and soothe your mind, spirit, and body? He is giving you permission to rest. So, rest.

From Divine Encounters…

Curiosity

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I started a Bible study by Beth Moore called Walking with God. It is so good -eye opening, refreshing, and an invitation to go deeper.

This quote from her study stood out and has been popping up in my mind often.

Curiosity. I love this word. The image I see is like a treasure hunt of seeking, excitement, discovery, wanting real answers, and not being afraid to ask God to reveal hidden things and meanings in scripture that I don’t understand. He isn’t afraid of our questions and uncertainty. I believe He loves to walk with us, speak to us, give us His wisdom, discernment, and plain old joy that lightens our hearts and draws us close to Him. He is love.

What does curiosity look like to you?

Psalm 90:2

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

There is comfort and so much hope in this verse. Before the Earth existed, God was there. He is with you as you read this verse, and He is already in your tomorrow. His eyes are on you.

You are not lost in a crowd of millions and your voice doesn’t get drowned out by someone louder or histrionic.

You are seen and deeply treasured. Maybe sit with that for just a minute? Let it soak into your spirit. Peace be with you.

Questions

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This reminder is hope-filled and refreshing! It is ok to have big questions for God!

Doubts, difficulty trusting God and His plans, and struggling in areas of understanding Him doesn’t equal a lack of faith or sin. God can handle it. He understands us.

Like Kaitlyn states, it’s not only ok, but God expects our questions and loves us through them.

If you have questions, doubts, or fears just talk to Him. He’s the best listener.

You can follow Kaitlyn and check out her book, A Dream Fulfilled Life: A Memoir in Essays on Amazon.