Peace.

I've been thinking.

God has really taught me a lot this last year about Joy and Hope. Not that I have arrived at a place of always being joyful or always finding hope, but I am learning.

I find it interesting that God gave me the goals of joy, hope, and peace way back in 2001. When I paraphrased the 23rd Psalm at that time, I don't know why joy, hope, and peace came to mind. They just did. Perhaps it was the Holy Spirit whispering to my heart. Of course, I later discovered confirmation in God's word that those three qualities, in fact, go together.

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, this has definitely been a year of learning for me. Learning that joy is not something I feel, but rather something I choose. Learning that hope is not something, but rather someONE in whom I can trust.

Well, I guess that just leaves peace. I sense that this is a year of peace for me. It is something I have not really experienced a lot of in the last many years. Perhaps, it is something I have not allowed myself to experience. I certainly have not cultivated it.

I'm ready, though, for whatever God wants to teach me. Plus, I can't help but wonder if that is the last piece of God's puzzle for me before He fulfills His promise. Crazy, huh?

I should share, too, that I was encouraged by a blogger friend who commented on this post. Perhaps a confirmation? She said...

-stephanie- has left a new comment on your post "Good night, good day...":

This post read so calm and peaceful. Loved it.
I pray this calm and peace stays with you this new year.

Posted by -stephanie- to His Heart at 11:34 AM

Me, too, Stephanie. Me too.

So, how about you? How has God given you peace in your life? What has He taught you about peace? Do share. I'd love to hear. Maybe God will speak to my heart through your experiences. :-)

Living in His JOY, HOPE, and PEACE...