I’m in the midst of a huge project of cleaning out my basement closets and garage.  I’ve taken things to a consignment store, sold things through a local on-line garage sale, set aside many bins for Goodwill, and thrown some stuff in the trash.

While going through several boxes from my office (haven’t looked at them in the 18 months since retirement) I came upon a book a colleague gave me during one of the darkest periods of my life.  What a gift!  It is a book of daily devotionals entitled, “Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His presence.” (Sarah Young, 2004, 2011)

I opened it to December 13, the day I unboxed it.  I read, “Emotional and physical healing are enhanced by your soaking in the Light of My presence.  You experience a nearness to Me that strengthens your faith and fills you with Peace.”

A perfect message for today.  It’s exactly where I find myself as 2019 comes to a close.

I looked back at some of the passages I’d highlighted during 2017.  Here are some of them.

• When something in your life or thoughts makes you anxious, come to Me…
• Though you lose everything else, if you gain My Peace you are rich indeed.
• You are feeling weighed down by a plethora of problems…Then humbly bring Me your prayers and petitions.
• Let me help you through this day. The challenges you face are far too great for you to handle alone.
• Bring Me your mind for rest and renewal.
• The way to walk through demanding days is to grip My hand…
• I will not allow circumstances to overcome you, so long as you look to Me.
• This feeling of abandonment is often worse than the adversity itself.  Be assured that I never abandon any of My children, not even temporarily.

These words helped me tremendously.  I offer them to you in hopes that if you are going through a trying time now, you will find Peace in them.

I wish you all the very best life has to offer in the new year.  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Peace I leave with you: My peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)

dmzh