Matthew 11:28 in the Message translation says that when we come to Jesus, we can enjoy unrushed rhythms of life.
From the time I read this phrase it has stuck with me - it refers to a rest and a calm which comes only from trusting Jesus.
The thoughts I am sharing with you are from a book by Max Lucado. I have reminded myself of it several times and have used it to encourage family and friends on several occasions since then.
A simple four-letter word to remember a big truth.
C-A-L-M
We all long for calm and peace. The prescription for it comes from Philippians 4.
The acronym helps us remember it easily.
Philippians 4:4 'Rejoice, again I say rejoice'.
Paul, writing from a cold, smelly, tiny prison calls us to rejoice. What are some practical ways to do this daily? I am learning to smile more, laugh often and remind myself to live lightly and walk with a spring in my step!
Memorise verses which help you rejoice in words.
Deuteronomy 26:11 'Rejoice in all the good things the Lord has done for you and your household'.
Start a gratitude journal or start a gratitude jar tradition as a family. (Grab an empty jar and decorate it, place it in a place inaccessible to tiny feet and large hands!) Have a cut-up coloured card and pens nearby. Whenever anyone feels grateful, they grab a piece of paper and write it down and put it into the jar quietly. On Sunday evening or on Friday night, these notes are read out at the dinner table and as a family, you can rejoice as the verse above says.
Philippians 4:6 'Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God'.
God loves to hear the little and big things going on in our life.
Worried about your son’s choices? Pray
Is your daughter’s wedding keeping you awake at night? Pray
Toilet training, disciplining children, homework, financial needs, marriage crisis? Pray
Struggling with temptation, loneliness, and pain? Pray
Philippians 4:7 'The peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus'.
After we pray, what should we be doing?
Psalm 37:3 tells us to trust God and do good.
In 1 Samuel 1:15, 16 we see Hannah pouring out her heart to God, praying with tears. In verse 18, she then went about her way and her face was no longer downcast.
I like to take one verse each day as my verse of the day, this helps me turn to God as I live my everyday ordinary life. It helps me focus on God as I do the dishes, fold the clothes, go for a walk, or talk to friends. It keeps me from talking badly or negatively about the very things I have left with God.
Taking joy breaks of 5 minutes during the day reminds me that God is working on the things that I have prayed about.
Philippians 4:8 'Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy; think on these things'. (paraphrased)
We have a ‘wall of praise’ in our home, and I have a scrapbook of answered prayers and divine surprises. You may want to try them out too. They are photos, memorabilia, and little reminders of the goodness of God. I have a picture board in our dining room with cutouts of chocolate cake, church music, cushions, books, candles, and brisk walks that remind me of the person God created me to be. It reminds me to be ‘me’ fully and well!
In this Advent season, may these thoughts give you CALM and springboard you to start some new, exciting traditions in the new year.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
