Peace (God's Love Letter to Me Today)

I was feeling frustrated, anxious and generally just upset this morning, so I sat down to have some much-needed quiet time. Unfortunately I realized I'd left my Bible in my car, which my dad had for the day, so I grabbed my NIV Worship Bible (what a luxury to have multiple Bibles on my shelf, when some people would give everything they have for ONE Bible, or others have never even read the Bible in their own language...). I opened to Isaiah, and it fell open to Isaiah 26. There I found a page titled "My Beloved"--a feature in the Worship Bible where they take several related passages, paraphrase them and put them all together as a love letter from God. Boy if this one wasn't exactly meant for me today...and I thought, how cool is that, that I had to use my other Bible today, and I would open to this page and be reassured from God that He is the God of peace. Here it is:

My Beloved

I know that you have become weary and feel the weight of the world on your shoulders. Come to Me and I will give you rest. Bring all your anxiety and fear to Me and leave them with Me. I will keep you in perfect peace when you keep your mind on Me and trust Me. I care about you.

Know that I have given you My peace. I do not give to you as the world gives...and then takes away. So do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid. I will fill you with joy and peace if you will trust in Me.

Instead of dwelling on confusion and anxiety, present your concerns to Me in prayer. And be thankful. Then let your mind dwell on things that are true and noble, things that are right and pure, things that are lovely and admirable--all that is excellent and praiseworthy. And the peace you will have--My peace--you will not be able to explain to others. No one can understand it, but you can have it.

Live your life according to My instructions, and I will be with you; because I am the God of peace, My peace will stand guard over your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.


Thanks God. You knew just what I needed today.