Embracing Peace
Posted by Andrea
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
It’s quiet here and there’s not much on my “to do” list. I’m caught up on all of my laundry, I’ve already started my dinner preparations, the week’s grocery shopping is complete, there’s a minimal amount of housework to be done, and for a most of the day the girls have been playing together…happily.
This will probably sound strange, but not having a long list of things to do makes me uncomfortable. Such a lull doesn’t happen often, but when it does it’s difficult for me to savor the moment. I spend the day fighting a nagging feeling that I’ve forgotten to do something important. I worry that an uncompleted task will rear its ugly head later in the day at the most inopportune time.
My approach to the quiet moments God offers should be better and it’s a concern I’ve been praying about. And now that I have time to think about it, I have an idea as to why today is so peaceful. I think God is working on me and answering my prayers.
Last week, I was listening to Chip Ingram’s radio broadcast Living on the Edge. Since a new year has begun, He was encouraging his listeners to start the year properly. Pastor Ingram stressed the importance of spending quality time with God and then challenged listeners to devote the first 20 minutes of each day to time with God. Pastor Ingram was certain that our days would progress much more smoothly if we did so.
This advice is not new to me. A couple of years ago when we joined our current church, JT and I took new members classes. In one of the classes the Assistant Pastor taught a lesson on how to get the most out of our days. We were not surprised when he recommended starting each day with a period of devotion with God.
For the past week, I’ve followed the advice of Chip Ingram and our Assistant Pastor. I’ve shifted my devotional time to first thing in the morning. Now before my feet hit the ground running, my knees greet the floor humbly before God. As a result, my days have been better! I’m more relaxed, less stressed, and more focused. My mind doesn’t feel as full and I’m able to see God at work as I complete the day’s activities.
Today, I’m praising God for hearing my prayers, answering those prayers, providing me with peace, and alerting me to the source of this peace. Though I know I shouldn’t be, I’m constantly amazed at the marvelous things that happen when I embrace Him! This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!
Photo: Courtesy of DijutalTim (Flickr)
Tags: Chip Ingram, daily devotions, Living on the Edge, Philippians 4:8
thank you.
Hey there Tammie! Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your day!
Awesome post! I just love Chip Ingram…I listen to him too
I have devoted the first part of my day with God for about 3 weeks now and I find it makes my days, being a wife and mother so much better. Thank the good Lord for blessing our days when we seek first the kingdom 
Blessings, BJ
BJ, I’m praying that I’ll be able to continue to do this as I am NOT a morning person and getting up earlier than I have to is always a struggle.
You’re so right! Seeking God FIRST ensures that we start the day off right.
I couldn’t agree with you more! First thing in the morning and my whole day goes better. Why would I choose anything else?
A great remindr to start our day with God! Thanks for this wonderful and inspiring post.
I adore the verse you opened with (Phil 4:8) …so vital to remember to “tame” our thoughts. Morning devotions are definitely a good way to do that. An excellent post, as usual. :~D
That is a great verse isn’t it? Thanks for the encouragement!
This is my first visit to your site and I absolutely love it! I love the simplicity of the design and the Christian encouragement and inspiration it gives. Today is one of those easy days for me and I love the encouragement to begin each day with time with God. Truly it sets the pace and attitude for the day and is vital to our Christian walk. Thank you for sharing!
I’m so glad you stumbled across my blog and I thank you for your visit! Starting my day this way has made a HUGE difference in the way my day flows. Like Jules, a previous commenter, I can’t imagine why I chose any other way! Do visit again and enjoy your day!