Quiet Contemplation - Day 33

Psalm 34:4 (NIV)

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV)

God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…

            Common sense tells us that fear of a hot stove is a healthy fear that keeps us from harm.  There are times; however, when we allow our everyday worries to grow into unhealthy fear. A small concern, when not yielded to the Lord, circles about in our mind, growing exponentially. Soon our thoughts are manipulated by all the negative possibilities and “what if…” scenarios. There is a solution!

            When small worries (or even large ones) of the day enter our thoughts, immediately seek the Lord in prayer. He already knows your concerns, but he waits patiently for you to seek him. By seeking the Lord in all our worries or concerns, we find peace and refuge in him. Somehow it helps us to keep our thoughts in perspective. And it was Christ himself who reminded us, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27, NIV). The point is this, before we allow a concern to grow into worry, or a worry to grow into a fear—seek the Lord who is our strength, our refuge, our help.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            You know our concerns for health, finances, family, and other things that weigh heavy on our hearts and minds. Forgive us when we lose sight of your power and control. Help us keep our thoughts in perspective, for you are ever present, and you are our help and strength.  We trust you in all things.

            In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!

Quiet Contemplation - Day 32

Psalm 36:5-6, 10 (NIV)

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.

            Every now and then, it is refreshing to just step back from the hurried pace of the world, from the troubles that surround us, and remember how great and wonderful our God is. Heavens, skies, mountains, and ocean depths are as far a man can go in any direction. And yet, as the Psalmist reminds us, that is how far God’s love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice reach. Truly as the hymn lyrics repeat, “He’s got the whole world in his hands.”

            This morning, I encourage you to take just a moment and breathe. Yes, I know you are already breathing—but I mean take a slow deep breath. Look out the window, or step outside and look up to the skies, across the fields, down the winding river path, through the trees (or even across city streets)—whatever your view—and realize that God’s love reaches there, all around you, and beyond. We serve a God who sustains both man and beast, and he continues to love those who know him. Have a relaxed and blessed day!

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Today we simply and humbly praise you for who you are, dear Lord. We ask nothing but that you forgive our failings and help us remain faithful to you. We remember you are the creator and sustainer of life, the provider of health, the comforter of our hearts. Draw us closer to you.

            In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!

Quiet Contemplation - Day 31

Romans 12:18 (NIV)

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

            When I think about what it means to live in a peaceful way, the typical descriptive words come to mind: quietly behaved and calm. Sometimes we tend to view peace as just the opposite of war, and in some respects it is. We like to congratulate ourselves, and claim that since we are not literally, physically involved in war, we are “peaceful”. However it can be illuminating to think about what peace is not in order to gain a better perspective on what peace is. Being at peace is not being contentious (i.e., likely to cause disagreements or arguments, or a wearisome tendency to quarrel and dispute). No, the Romans passage doesn’t mean we will never disagree with what is wrong in our nation. But it does mean as far as it depends on us, we will not cause strife with others. We will not be the cause of arguments and quarrels.

            There is something else to which I would like to draw your attention. The Colossians passage states that we are “called to peace.” When you are called to do something, yes, you might consider it an invitation or request. But the actual root of the word “called” indicates a command. Let that sink in for just a moment. As members of one body, the body of Christ, we are called by command to let peace rule our hearts; it is not a mere suggestion or request. It is a responsibility.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Sometimes we like to consider ourselves to be peaceful creatures. Yet with all the disharmony in our world, and blatant wrongdoing, it is all too easy for us to get caught up in the heat of the moment in a way that displeases you—in a way that does not bring honor and glory to your name. Teach us the right way to respond. Teach us how to let the peace of Christ rule our hearts.

            In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!