Seeking Peace With One Another (1)

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.  (Psalm 29:11 NIV)

It is God’s will for men and women to live at peace with one another. We are told to love each other; to be of one mind and purpose; to be humble; to think of others as better than ourselves. How can we do this when individuals around us behave in ugly ways? Both in addiction and now in recovery, our lives have been impacted by people who were just having a bad moment, or a bad day, or just wanted to be in a bad mood. We suffered physically and emotionally because of their mood swings. Is it really possible to be at peace with them?  God is faithful! His word and His promise of peace will bring encouragement to us even when unkind people cause distraction in our lives. 

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10 NIV)

How often have we found ourselves in conversation when a remark is made that “pushes our button”? The next thing we know, there is a stream of bitter words flowing from somewhere inside us.  The volume of our voice increases, or we go silent and distance ourselves because we feel outraged by the implication of the words that were said.  The other person may or may not have any idea of what triggered our reaction to the words spoken.  When something like this happens we need to consider the cause of the backlash.  We are obviously not at peace with something inside ourselves and whatever the cause may be, it needs to be brought to the light so that it can be healed. 

Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time.  (Hebrews 12:14-15 MSG)

Thank you God for your promise of strength and peace for your people.  Please reveal the root of anything in me that is not at peace today.  Give me the courage to turn my attention away from the actions of others in order that I may search my own heart.   Help me to sort out my inner issues until my heart finds rest in You.  Amen

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