This week of advent, Peace, has been a gentle reminder of the profound peace offered to us by God. A gift that stands out amidst the clutter and chaos and waits to be opened.
Recently a friend shared a conversation she had with her husband. Apparently, he had a history of questionable gifting. This year she decided to give him some not so vague guidance for his efforts. It was a lighthearted story, but I also recognized that this small communication was actually quite huge. Instead of letting herself grow hurt or disappointed in his gift, she was honest with him. It is not that material things are of importance, but being able to communicate even in the little things matters.
Too often in the earlier years of our marriage I kept my husband in the dark. Perhaps due to my exposure through magazines, TV, movies and books which glorified grand gestures, thoughtful gifts or met expectations that all happened spontaneously, without being discussed…. I somehow expected my poor hubby to just KNOW what was on my mind, what I expected, what I needed. God bless him for navigating that landmine filled time in our lives. He was literally living in a hit or miss reality, guessing what I wanted or needed him to do or say at any time. Learning to communicate in a healthy way has made all the difference in our lives.
Communication brings us into a closer relationship
A closer relationship brings confidence
Confidence creates trust
Trust brings peace of mind and heart
Honest communication can be hard even in the best relationships. Sharing our thoughts, needs, burdens or hopes, and listening with care to those of others, can be a very vulnerable endeavor. I have come to realize prayer is this kind of communication. Oh, God doesn’t need me to tell Him my thoughts, needs, burdens or hopes…He knows my heart, He created my mind…but prayer is the communication that brings peace.
Communicating with God leads to communion (a close relationship) with Him
Communion with God brings confidence
Confidence creates trust…and when we truly trust in Him we know peace.
Prayer is not fancy words, it is not a “wish list”, it is communicating your heart with a God who loves you and wants a relationship with you.
Prayer is the gift wrapping that opens our hearts to God’s gift of peace!
May we all, through prayer, unwrap the peace that comes from knowing Him, and in knowing Him, confidently trusting Him.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ.” Phil 4:6&6 (NLT)
Tuesday With Teri 