Nougat 28

One of the joys of God’s Word is that it has new meaning each time we read. And when we read it has the potential to transform our day. And sometimes we find that transformation brings Peace. Today’s Holy Nougat

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

When we reference these nougats together, we find that there’s a special level of God’s Peace and we can work towards fostering God’s Peace within. For God’s Spirit to flourish, Peace must be carefully nurtured, as many Peace stealers and detractors exist. (And their sole aim is to kill, steal and destroy our Peace).

Firstly we note – we nurture God’s Peace by removing Worry weeds from our lives.

Now the Word most categorically states that we can choke those Worry weeds with Prayer. In other words, each time a situation moves us to undue concern; we hand it over to God by praying. (Remember to leave the situation behind with God, instead of D-I-Y fixes that place us back on the unprofitable cycle).

We then have one last act to ensure God’s Peace abides. You nailed it – thanksgiving seals our hearts and secures God’s Peace. For while God inhabits Praise (Psalm 22:3), thanksgiving fosters anticipation as it also reminds us that mountains are still being moved by God’s mighty power. (The difference: Praise speaks the positive attributes of God; Thanksgiving is responding appreciation for gifts or favors received).

When we shift our focus from the worry weeds to place the situation before God’s throne; and we fertilize with anticipatory thanksgiving; God’s Peace can and will flourish. Our task then is to be consistent. That may be aided by is putting into practice with little things. In short, we maintain our prayer life and look for thanksgiving opportunities. God’s Spirit will do the rest.

—

May all we seek be found in Christ