Peace and Joy!

 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid,”
John 14:27 NKJV

Jesus came not just as our Savior, but that we may have peace now on this earth. It is amazing how quickly we can give it away. Or worse, fail to even accept such precious gifts at all!

Circumstances, people and our daily lives all have the potential to rob us of our peace and joy if we allow it.

We often run around as if all is lost if we can’t accomplish our “to do” list. We also deprive ourselves of peace and joy when we allow our shortcomings to overshadow our God.

We don’t have to be tossed back and forth like waves upon the shore. We have an Anchor. We can be stable and able when we take hold the true peace and joy our God provides.  

Our society is so plugged in that there is little time allocated to be still. It is not unusual for the average person to struggle with finding time  with God that will cultivate a “peace that passes understanding.”

We are often guilty of spending too much time on things that don’t really matter, yet if only we put those efforts into accepting what has been freely given, we could truly enjoy the fullness of God’s gifts and His love for us.

Happiness is based on circumstances and our reaction to our environment. However, joy comes from within and fosters contentment no matter our plight. Joy is a gift from God. Happiness is transient and often subject to the actions of others.

Allow your spirit to rejoice in the Lord. Look beyond your present circumstances if necessary and meditate on His truth…God is good, He loves you, everything else is secondary!  blsd crout (2)

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning,”
Psalm 30:5 NKJV.

No matter what you may face, it is possible to receive God’s joy. Christ was able to endure the crucifixion aware of the joy that lay beyond the anguish. God does no less for us who choose to trust Him!

The price for our peace and joy has already been paid…no purchase necessary!

But it is up to us to embrace these gifts and protect them like prized possessions. The more we seek His presence, all the more peace and joy we will find within.

Believe and receive.

Peace and joy are waiting for you!

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NKJV

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” Galatians 5:22 NKJV

By Lilka Finley Raphael

Author, Editor, Gardner, Photographer, Pharmacist

22 comments

  2. Thank you for your blog posts Lilka. I so enjoy reading the complicated stuff in an easy way 😉
    I just love the “Happiness is based on circumstances and our reaction to our environment. However, joy comes from within and fosters contentment no matter our plight. Joy is a gift from God. Happiness is transient and often subject to the actions of others.” you wrote there. I just used that in my own life.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. So glad you found that helpful. Our stressful situations can press down hard on us when we don’t envision an end to that particular situation. The things we dislike the most tend to facilitate the most growth.

      Thanks for taking time to stop by 🙂

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  3. ‘God loves us…everything else is secondary’ that is so true! The things of this life, its cares and concerns require our attention, but do not have to rob us of our peace in the Lord!

    It is all in the way we look at, and to, our Lord Almighty.

    The True Light

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    1. Thanks you Michael for stopping by and taking time to comment.

      I totally agree. God does allow us to make choices. It’s in these decisions we help create the quality of life we desire. B Blessed and have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

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  6. ‘We also deprive ourselves of peace and joy when we allow our shortcomings to overshadow our God.’- I needed to hear this today. I need to learn to more quickly receive forgiveness and peace once I have repented of my shortcomings when God points them out to me.

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    1. We all do Emily. I find I can hold on to mistakes long after God has forgiven me for them. My writings preach to myself first and foremost.

      Thanks for taking time to stop by and comment. Enjoy your weekend and B Blessed! 🙂

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    1. Why thank you!

      I pray that my simple approach will open the door for others and provoke them to seek more of God.

      I often think it is the infighting over doctrine and legalistic religion that hinders some people from accepting what God has to offer.

      I think if I can just crack open the door and offer a peek inside…God will most certainly handle the rest.

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  9. Recommended from WordPress reader, I thought I would check this out, and found this being another of your sites Lilka. This is REALLY AMAZING, I don’t know how you do it.
    This Christian devotional blog is absolutely beautiful. The pictures are stunning, and your words meet me right where I am it. THANK YOU!
    God is using you to strengthen the believers, and to lead others to Christ.
    Thank you for your faithfulness.
    May you have an absolutely wonderful day.
    God bless……Carl

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Carl, thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and comment. I often don’t know what I’m going to write until it just comes out.

      The majority of pictures come straight from my garden. The photo of the ocean is straight from last weeks vacation.

      Thank you for affirming I am doing what God has called me to do. Sometimes I don’t understand it or wonder if it is helpful to others. Your kind words are greatly appreciated.

      May you enjoy God’s peace and joy this weekend! 🙂

      Lilka

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