journey onWord with us

Nothing went right this week at the office.  We had a power outage over the weekend where half the building had power and half had none.  So by Monday morning:

• The copier was acting in a very unusual way
• It was 30 degrees outside and our air conditioning was blowing full force
• Our computers were going to complete blackness – but only when we were on the phone with a client! Lots of frustration and growls in the office!  We have unplugged, rebooted, pleaded and begged with all the electronics, but to no avail – one co-worker simply threw her hands up and said, “I’m going home!”

Have you been in similar situations?  Of course you have.

There was anything but ‘peace’ in the workplace this week, but my example is a very simplistic one compared to the world we live in currently.  There is turmoil everywhere you look.  Mike and I used to be news junkies, but we both are finding it difficult to watch now because everyone is angry or outright fighting.  Everywhere we look there is confusion and discord. So how do we find and cling to ‘peace’ in the times in which we live?

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8

If we can keep our thoughts firmly planted in God’s principles, we can guard and protect ourselves from the chaos around us.  And in doing so, we can travel to a place of peace:

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

I don’t like drama.  I don’t like discord.  I like peace.  But lately I have struggled with drama and discord everywhere I look.  I needed to return to one of my favorite books in the Bible (such good, practical advice) to find refreshment in my longing for peace.  To put it simply, I cannot control this world (or even the copy machine in our office!), but I can control my thoughts and what I allow my mind to dwell upon.

God is in control.  Always and forever. Praise Him!