"Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11
As I think back over my adolescent years my mind goes to all the discipline I received from my parents. At the time I remember thinking how rude they were to me. How mean and uncaring they were to reprimand me or even spank me for a wrong I had committed that I couldn't see at the time. Really, how bad was it to go outside to play in my sock feet or not finish my chores or talk during our pastor's sermon. Don't get me started on my teenage years when I stayed out a little past curfew (once or twice) or hung with the wrong crowd. What if I was a little too snarky with my words when mama and I would have a disagreement, did that really call for a grounding?
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way."
-Charles Dickens, A Tale Of Two Cities
This book has sat on my nightstand for many years. I have all intentions of reading it. I've started it many times but this one particular book challenges my interest level (one day, though, I will read it in its entirety). I do love this quote from the book though. It sums up, for the most part, my girlhood emotions and misgivings and confusions (and if I'm being real, my adulthood also.) These words were written at least two centuries ago but I believe we can apply them to the times we live in today.
Everyday there are celebrations happening with joy and gladness across this land and at the same time there are evil and injustices happening that leave hearts and lives in despair. In our own lives, we may have joy for one instance only then to turn around and hear heartrending news that brings us sadness (life is truly an emotional roller coaster).
The Lord has been showing me to have a heart of thankfulness. I have been trying hard to look at every situation and find the good in it. Seek out the positive and celebrate that instead of focusing on the negative. I repeat to myself on a daily basis, "You are an overcomer, Kim." I will seek out that positive attitude I so desire and run with it.
The Lord commands us to let the peace that comes from Christ rule in our hearts (rule being the adjective in this verse, meaning; to let it have final say.) Just like my parents having rule of my life as a child, I am now to allow the Lord to rule my life. His final say is based on His goodness, His greatness, and His power. Giving the peace of Christ final say means we aren't ruled by worries or anxieties. I find peace in that, how about you? Like any discipline, submission isn't easy to do, but it allows us to gain the peace we desire.
"And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful." (Col. 3:15)
When we choose to let the peace of Christ have the final call, the worst of times will be lightened, and the best of times can be enjoyed without concern.
I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!
I love you & He loves you more!
Lord, Thank You for Your graciousness. Thank You for the peace of Christ that floods my soul. Thank You for the Holy Spirit that lives inside of me, directing me and leading me on my way to peace everlasting. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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