SEEKING PEACE – Jeremiah 29:7

FROM the EDGES – MORNING DEVOTIONAL

Seeking Peace JEREMIAH 29:7

Seeking the Peace that God wants to give –

In Bible Study with the Youth yesterday we read the words from Colossians 3:15”Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts ………..” Throughout the evening and into the nighttime awake hours, I kept hearing the question what is ruling my heart. Actually, there are many things that rule different parts of our mind, body, and soul. Some are good, some not so much.

This might be the direction that was being revealed through Jeremiah 29:7 “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because of it, the city which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” What place is God wanting to carry you to this day. I was humbled by the word carry. God doesn’t want to point us, lead us, give us directions, no incredibly God wants to carry us.

Now I am not sure about you, but I get nervous when I have to be carried. It is not something I have experienced very often, but I still consider the feeling when I was completely at the will of something or someone to lift me up and carry me, making me vulnerable to the one who was carrying me. Our cat Sylvia doesn’t like to be carried, lifted, or held, unless it is on her terms. Sylvia must have many reasons why she doesn’t like to be carried and we try to do it often. She wiggles, claws, cries till she finally gets her way and we put her down. This question is on my heart “How do I respond when God is carrying me?”

This morning I am humbled by this lesson as that is the way I am with God. Realizing, this is more about my relationship than just receiving a word or finding direction. This is the intimacy of God in my personal relationship that there are some things God wants to “carry” me to. I believe the primary being, carrying me into a closer relationship, closer to the heart of God, closer to peace, to be renewed. Carrying me away from the bitterness, strife, and sinfulness of the worldly and away from evil into the presence of Jesus where there is “peace, prosperity, and purpose”.

Lord, we pray – “Carry me to the place I need to be, may I not try to get out of it. May I realize that within your love and care, is the only place that I will know true peace and hope. Forgive me Lord when I have refused to accept your love and direction. May your Spirit guide and direct me this day. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Have a great day – realizing God’s presence.