This right here is one of the hardest aspects of life--especially in the world we live in today. We are constantly bombarded with things to do, people to meet, questions to answer, places to be, and the list is endless. We live our lives thinking what's next... or I can't wait till I graduate high school then college then get a real job then get married then have kids. This is one of the biggest things I struggle with because it is so easy to get consumed in that though process and not appreciate what is right in front of us. I feel like I am constantly planning for what's next, bombarded with life's next thing, and thinking how can I accomplish that goal to the best of my ability. Well quickly I had to realize that these aren't my plans or my goals, but rather they are God's plans. Within the past two weeks, I have experienced two types of peace. A lot of people think of peace as complete quietness out in the forest thinking about God and His creation, and sometimes I do believe that is peace just that. But, I have also experienced the peace in the middle of the storm. Everyone has their own way of experiencing peace, so I challenge you not to set a box around only one type of peace.
So, God has shown me both of those types of peace. About a week ago, I had the opportunity to go to the Walk '18 with North Point Community Church as a fill in leader for my Transit co-leader's InsideOut group. Words can not even begin to describe how much fun we had as a group, and the way God used this group that week was incredible. Jesus is doing some HUGE things in and through this InsideOut group, and I cannot wait to see how He uses them. So with any high school group, there was craziness. I believe when Jesus is trying to use a group of people in such a huge way the devil is running after them just as fast trying to stop the heart change-- and NOT TODAY SATAN. But within all of the craziness, heartache, spiritual warfare, there was peace. I cannot even begin to explain how Jesus just settles your heart when you give Him your worry. Just like in the story when Jesus walked on water and asked Peter to step out with Him. When Peter was focused on Jesus, nothing else in the world mattered and peace filled him, but when his eyes were off Jesus, he began to sink because he was worried about everything around him. But Jesus will always extend that hand for YOU and offer you His peace. Find the calm in the storm. As I am writing this today, I am sitting out on a family member's porch that overlooks their pool and is completely surround by trees. No one else is out here, just me, my computer, and Jesus. This is a lot of people's definition of peace, and man it is so nice. Sometimes it is so needed just to have that quietness and alone time with Jesus. When you are quiet and just listen, Jesus can calm your heart. It is so hard in our lives today to find that quiet spot and just listen for Jesus. This can be any spot for you, but I challenge you to find it. It could be sitting in Starbucks on a Thursday night by yourself, in your room at home, or even in your car in the Target parking lot. Jesus just wants you. He wants your heart. Find that spot and dive into your alone time with Jesus, because when you make time for Him, He will use you more than you could even imagine. Now, there are no right and wrong ways to find peace. Those are just two examples on how I find peace. Jesus is handing out a free peace card, so why not take it. Find calmness in Him because our lives are insane. We are all being pulled in so many directions, but remember whose direction do you want to move in.
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Lindsey LawtonJust a college freshman trying to figure life out Archives
January 2019
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