Being an Instrument of Peace

The fog was hanging in the valley as I went for an early morning walk yesterday. It was still and peaceful and incredibly beautiful. 

I was reminded once again of the importance of disconnecting from the blaring voices of social media and just keep my focus on the Lord. It's been a stressful week in many ways which revs up my anxiety, and I know that it is important for me to stay connected to the source of my strength.

I received a text from a friend who was going through a difficult time with someone and asked for prayer navigating the relationship. As I was walking and praying for her, I felt my anxiety calming down, and God reminded me that I need to be an instrument of His peace. That simple act of praying for another was the catalyst for my own inner peace.

God's word tells us that being a peacemaker is the task of anyone who is a Christ-follower. We can read it over and over again in Scripture.

• Matthew 5:9 ~ "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God". 
• Romans 12:18 ~ "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone". 
• Romans 14:19 ~ "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification". 
• James 3:18 ~ "Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness". 
• Ephesians 4:2-3 ~ "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace". 
• Hebrews 12:14 ~  "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord". 
• 1 Peter 3:11 ~ "He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it".

So much of what I've read from Christians lately seems to be doing the exact opposite. I see posts that stir up anger and resentment and I find it extremely discouraging to read these things. I read posts that name call and berate and put others down, and are spouting opinions - all the things that certainly couldn't be called peacemaking.

I cannot control what anyone else says or does, but I can control what comes out of my mouth. So I'm doing my best to keep my eyes on the Lord and to make sure that I am communicating in a way that brings peace to those around me. 

That starts by staying grounded in the word, staying connected to the vine, and taking my eyes off the mess around me. Praying that you all have a peace-filled weekend!