"What Leads To Peace"

Hanging on a balance on our screen door, is a green leafy wreath peppered delicately with little purple flowers. Across the center of the wreathe is accented the word "RELAX"... in matching bold colors.
I placed it there as a reminder to slow down and breathe and to 'live in the moment'.

I often catch myself ,....thinking way ahead of the...'moment', or drudging, wearily.. in the 'if only's' or 'what if's' of yesterday!!

Sometimes, we forget don't we?
Always three steps ahead of ourselves or reliving a past that cannot change.

So what is the remedy?..Where is the cure for a heart...that is aching for the peace that so often eludes us?

I believe... like the journey that begins with a single step...Our trek toward freedom in this life begins with a single thought.

The Scriptures in 2 Corinthians chapter 10...(in the second part of verse 5) instructs us....
to..'take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.'

The beginning of our peace of mind,.....
is borne out of the knowledge that 'every thought' must be made,
to be held captive unto Christ.

I can remember reading a book by Stormie O'Martian years ago. She gently reminded the reader that just because a thought comes into your mind, does not mean it should be entertained as truth.
What a 'lightbulb' moment for me. At that time in my life, I worried a lot, and let go of a little. That one statement began a transformation in the renewing of my mind.

Sweet relief...and peace..... soon followed, as I examined my heart and mind. I began to weigh my thoughts carefully against the Word of God and who HE said I was...
My fears of the unknown or concerns over the past eventually came to rest at the foot of the cross.
And, It all began with a single thought resonating in my mind...

I know now, it is a willful obedience that leads to peace.

The past is gone the future is yet to be seen.

Choose to live in "this" moment and RELAX..

For HE really is, the only One....
who will...... always hold every moment and every single life.

"And the PEACE of God,
which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things.  
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—
put it into practice.
And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:7-9

(original posting October 8th, 2012)