“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” –Colossians 3:15
After my first husband’s death, I was hoping to meet an adult who had experienced the death of their father when their mother was pregnant. I was desperate for advice to help me navigate with my daughter. I never did meet that person.
A few weeks ago, my daughter shared with me some feelings that had surfaced regarding not knowing her biological father. While I did my best to make sure she had a male figure in her life through my father and my current husband, deep down I knew it had to affect her. How could it not? I cannot even fathom not ever having my father in my life. Could it because she is the same age I was when her father died and is now thinking about starting a family?
I don’t know. What I do know, is it got me thinking about that time in my life. I realized that my grandson is the same age my son was when my first husband died. It is such a cute age. I love seeing the videos of Lincoln and how his personality is developing.
I will be honest, there are days after I get a 6:30 am call (the time my phone is out of sleep mode) from my mother where I click Google photos to look at pictures of my grandson before I pick up my morning devotion. My angst turns to joy from seeing his adorable little face.
In fact, it happened this week. However, this time, I went from having peace in my heart to beating myself up for not being able to enjoy my son, Brandon at such a cute age. I let the enemy get in my head. The memory he brought to mind was that sweet little boy standing next to my bed telling me he was “hungwy.” Too tired to get out of bed to feed him breakfast, I told him to go tell Grandma.
But you know what? God in His grace and mercy quickly turned my focus from one of guilt to appreciation. You see, He brought a positive memory of my mother to light. She took care of my son when I didn’t’ have the strength and energy to do it for myself.
I shared last week how my mother’s negative attitude had been draining. God knows how it has been affecting me, so He reminded me of how she was there for me during this period of my life. And…He also brought back other memories reminding me that I did get to enjoy my son and all of his cuteness along with my mom and dad experiencing it with me.
Our church has started a new series, Hearing God. I am hearing God loud and clear. Three times now, He has given me the word, Positive. He is telling me, Lisa focus on the positive. Letting the peace of Jesus rule my heart is the only way I can do it.
Even though we may not always have peace on earth, we can find peace in Jesus. Trusting in Jesus may not calm the chaos around us, but it will and does calm it within us. As His peace fills our hearts and minds, we can live the life God intends for us.
Father God,
Forgive me when I let the lies of the enemy shift my focus. Redirect my thoughts to You. Help me to be still enough to hear Your voice during times of distress. Let the peace of Christ rule my heart. Thank You for Your steadfast love. I lift those up to You who are letting feelings of inadequacy keep them from pursuing the path where You are leading them. I pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
February Verse
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” –Colossians 3:15
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