Peace

"The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace." - Psalm 29:11

I find it so incredibly fascinating that God knows the perfect timing for everything! He knows the best time to experience the raging wars of life and He knows the best time to experience those quiet, re-energizing times. For the past 3-4 weeks God has really been drawing me deeper through quiet moments and imparting an unfathomable amount of peace in my life.

So many times in the past I've cried out for peace, patience and godly contentment, and more often than not, even wrestled with God, shedding countless tears, crying out for His said peace. But looking back, I was seeking false peace; I was ultimately seeking something tangible to ease my distress, desiring happiness and not true contentment. Peace isn't all lollipops and gumdrops, it is trusting in God's will and trusting in Him to take care of you no matter what is happening around you. Peace is feeling secure, loved and at rest because you know that you are in good hands. The last few weeks have still brought little bumps or obstacles my way, some even causing lots of uncertainty and pain, but God has been pulling me closer and speaking gently to me. He has been nourishing my heart, instilling a tranquility in my footsteps, and giving me a supernatural peace throughout my daily walk. God has been revealing his true peace to me and for that I am eternally grateful.

I count this new season one of much growth, but instead of being hammered and forged again and again to refine my many impurities, God is tenderly wiping the tarnish away, tenderly refining my life. In this, He's showing me a whole new perspective of his character and allowing me to see the refining process in a whole new light. Again, I am eternally grateful.

In closing, I pray that you too may partake in the splendor of God's works. I pray that God's gentleness and peace would fill the hearts of many. That everyone would experience His tender love and be overcome by His joy and His graciousness.

"Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you and give you peace" - Numbers 6:24-26

Work Related

Today was not an ordinary day. Tears don't often find themselves falling down my cheeks, but on this given day that was a different story. I cannot share all the details, but for those that actually read this, please keep me and my workplace in your prayers. Like every other business in the world right now, we aren't doing as well as we would like financially. Our 'financial crunch' has caused some restructuring of the company which is a vague way of saying that we had to eliminated a few job positions. One of the positions eliminated was someone whom I worked very closely with and whom had my utmost respect. I'm still a bit shocked and angry of the outcome, but I'm trying to trust in the Lord. He knows the plans for not only my company as a whole, but also each individual. I pray that those whom were let go find this occurrence to be a catapult for their careers; may God use this transition as a way of bringing bigger and better seasons and fruitful livings. I also pray for security, comfort, wisdom and perseverance for all of us who remain. I think worry and doubts have tried to subside in our minds and in our hearts. I pray that I don't allow that baggage and the loads of discouragement to fester. I pray that my heart would not become bitter towards the leadership, but instead that I would remember to pray for them and give them the respect that I should.
Goodness gracious, there's still so much more I could write, but I must be going.

Rachel Grace