A calm, cool spirit keeps the peace. Proverbs 15:18
Keeping our cool on days filled with schedule interruptions, tests of our patience, or pressures to worry about things we can’t change, is tough to do. Yet our inner-peace depends on it—the peace that passes understanding, found only in Jesus. He’s the calm before, during, and after every storm in our life. He’s the peace that keeps us on an even keel and off the frantic wheel of frustration. Once we allow our emotions to overrule the peaceful guidance of God and the gentleness of His grace, we lose the ability to calm the situations we face.
Love is calm. Love is a comfortable place. Love is a soothing presence in a rough world. Love is a wide welcome and a warm hug. Love says, “Come in, sit beside me, tell me how you’re doing, and let me help you carry whatever weighs you down.” Peace is one of love’s most beautiful by-products, and it’s always worth cultivating. God’s word is clear about how important it is to stay connected. Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Try always to be led along together by the Holy Spirit and so be at peace with one another. Ephesians 4:2-3 TLB
Togetherness can be a blanket of peace when we choose love over taking offense or isolating ourselves from the companionship we need. Community creates a warmth our heart needs and our soul craves. God puts people around us for reasons we discover when we spend time with them. We learn all the ways He planned for us to enrich their lives and also what they have to encourage us and help us grow. It will always be a two-way blessing. God is a gift giver, and perfectly so. Every good thing in our lives is a reflection of His heart toward us, how much He cares, and how closely He’s paying attention. We can’t see all that He sees or know the scope of His goodness in the relationships He builds, but we can enjoy them and be prayerfully grateful every day.
Father, give my heart a yearning for peace, and the calming presence of Your perfect love.
(excerpt from Devotional Coloring Book, Cozy Moments to Calm Your Heart)