Being Still....Days 17, 18, & 19

So, I know it's a little early, but we put up our Christmas tree this weekend.  My girls just LOVE decorating the tree and sitting by it, looking at all the lights, singing carols.  As I've said, this time last year we were getting ready to move (we had movers at our house 2 days after Christmas).  B/c of that, we put the tree up earlier, so we could have time to really enjoy it, naturally this year, they thought that's just how it works, so here we are, 8 days into November with our Halls fully decked ;)

Anyway, part of decking those halls is Christmas music. We started listening to those classics to help us really get into the spirit of the holiday.  As we were listening to those lovely carols, a line stuck out to me: "Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards men"....I've heard it about a million times, it's not new, but for some reason, in my pursuit of Being Still, this line hit me and wouldn't let me go.

As I was doing my quiet time the following day, I began to pray.  I prayed the 46th Psalm, as I have been doing the past 19 days and that "Peace on Earth" popped back into my head...So I prayed that, then I asked God to show me what that meant.  Clearly his spirit was bringing me back to that particular phrase, but I was baffled as to why.

After praying about it, I began to sing the carol (you know the one, Silent Night)....the song itself is not a Bible verse (it is based on what the Angels tell the shepherds in Luke 2:14), so I'm not calling the entire song God's Divine word by any means, but His words are in there.

As I was singing I realized, Jesus didn't come to give me literal, war ending, world peace.  Although it's well within his power to do that (says so in the Psalm I've been praying for the past 19 days!), the Peace on Earth these angels are referring to is the Peace of knowing that this gift of Jesus has absolved every single human on the planet of their penalty for sin.

I've always known that's what Christmas is about, but never really thought about what that Peace on Earth should look like in my own life.  I just assumed that the Angels were talking about Peace on Earth, like when Jesus comes again (all the cool stuff in Revelation, which if you haven't read, you should!).  B/c that was always my frame of thought, I never took the time to consider that Peace on Earth is possible-maybe not for nations, but for believers it most certainly is.

So, as I am working on Being Still in God's Presence, I am experiencing the Peace that Jesus has given me here on Earth.  B/c I am taking time to really Know God, I am, for the first time in my life, experiencing His peace.  Not all the time, and not perfectly, like I will in Heaven someday, but let me give you some examples:

We are traveling for all the holidays during this season, normally I would have started packing, planning and completely freaking out about every aspect of those upcoming travels.  We leave in less than 10 days and I don't even know where our suitcases are.  Instead of being busy for the sake of busy-ness, I've been spending that time I would normally be making a packing list, packing, unpacking, repacking, making a second list, and, well you get the idea, with God.  And you know what? There is no stress over silly little things like how many pairs of underpants to pack for my 4 year old. That stress isn't there b/c in God's presence every day, He is showing me what really matters and giving me peace, for what everything that doesn't....

Another example: I have been praying about what God wants me to do next (which is what started all of this)...but since I've abandoned that pursuit, he's given me a great opportunity for the NOW.  I was hired to help people book their Disney Vacations (Shameless plug: Let me know if you're planning or thinking of planning a trip, my services are 100% FREE:Kimrod@mickeysmvps.com).  It is the perfect job for Disney-obsessed me.  I did literally nothing to pursue this opportunity, God wrapped it up in a sweet little bow and delivered it right to me....B/C I was being still and gave him "Now".

I want you to know that I am not an expert at any of this "God stuff", In fact, even just 20 days ago, I wasn't spending time with God, I wasn't at peace, and I wasn't being still, but today I am and it's amazing.

 My life isn't any easier or less busy than it was 20 days ago, but God answers me every morning and won't let me fail b/c I am Being Still and Knowing that HE IS GOD.

 That's one awesome thing about God-If you seek him, you will find him and he will lavish his peace over your crazy, hectic, messy, busy life.  He will be there always, and He will NEVER let you fail.

I'm not saying I never mess up or things always work out, but I am saying He is always there with his arms open, full of grace and peace.  He gives me exactly what I need in the very moment I need it, BUT I have to ask.

It may not always look like what I planned, but no plans could ever matter more than being in the presence of the Most High King of the Universe who also calls me His daughter.

I pray that you can find peace in His presence,  it is promised that if you seek him, he will give it to you-right here in the 46th Psalm

Psalm 46

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth.[b] A song.

1 God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.[c]

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

8 Come and see what the Lord has done,
    the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease
    to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields[d] with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

11 The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.