I wanted to share this devotional with you- I recieve a daily e-mail devotional from Christine Wyrtzen. This was yesterdays, December 30th, 2005. It really made me think, and I felt led to share it with all of you. Below is a link to her website. May this speak to you as it spoke to me.

Daughters of Promise.

PEACE IS A CHOICE

The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee. Is. 26:3

I realize today how many times I've had things backwards. When my mind was in turmoil, I prayed for peace. When I was plagued with distrust, I prayed for peace. When I felt God was unfair, I prayed for peace. I didn't get the results I wanted and now I know why.
I've been studying the subject of peace this morning and under what conditions God promises it. This verse from Isaiah seems to sum it up best. Those who are steadfast in their mind, who choose to trust, will be kept in perfect peace. If I do not have peace, it is because my mind has taken a detour to a place of dis-trust. I have allowed my interpretation of circumstances to rule my mind, and subsequently, rule my emotions. My beliefs are the problem, not God's inability to bring peace.
Jesus is our peace. But, our choice to dis-believe Him is what erodes our peaceful state. We must be intentionally steadfast to trust Him implicitly, despite the mounting evidence against Him and despite our heart which often tells us it's suicide to trust again. He is God and He is always good, always faithful, always loving, always dependable. Upon those truths my life rests. Period.
On a more practical note, how can I practice being steadfast so that I might have peace - now? Here's a personal example.
I have prayed for God's intervention in a certain area of my life. At this point, I see no evidence of His provision. I can despair. Or, I can be steadfast and declare the following: "You, Lord, answer prayer. Just because I can't see Your provision doesn't mean You're not active in providing it. I trust You." Upon such a declaration of absolute trust, peace follows.
In the past, I have prayed for peace as though it were all up to God. I took no personal responsibility for it on my end. I let my mind wander where it wanted and my thoughts were often a cesspool of doubts and confusion. Gaining peace of mind is always a two way street. If I do my part, God's promise of peace will engage.

I've learned my lesson. I won't pray for peace until I choose to harness my thoughts and trust in You no matter what. Little did I know that peace was on the other side of praise. In Jesus' name, Amen

Amen Blyth,

It's Always on the other side of Praise!!!


ROSE