John 16:33 I have told you these things so that you will be whole and at peace. In this world, you will be plagued with times of trouble, but you need not fear; I have triumphed over this corrupt world order. (VOICE)

I confess, my world is not at peace. I wake each day in uncertainty about my future. I have a home. I have family and people who care about me. But my husband, my partner and best friend, he cannot share my days. He is not present when I awaken to help me face the trial(s) and rejoice in the victories of the day. I cannot reconcile why individuals have chosen to make compound my suffering. Waking at night, I wrestle with the reality of my world.

Then I allow God to once again, fill me with His peace.

My circumstances have not changed. I recognize my trials for what they are - the fallout of the spiritual battle that we all face. Instead of retreating in defeat, I return to my refuge. There in God's presence, I renew my perspective, and He renews my strength. This world may rob me of all I cherish in this world. But my peace in Christ Jesus cannot be stolen.

The inhabitants of this earth will never be at peace with each other. This fallen world is populated with sinful people. Even the "good" taint their goodness with the sin of self-righteousness and judgmental attitudes.

Genuine peace ​can only be achieved through our Heavenly Father the Creator, and His Son Jesus Christ. In Him, I find shelter from my fears and freedom from my cares and concerns.
                                                    
                                                    Revelation 22:13   |   John 16:33  

I encourage you to share how your faith has brought you peace in times of trial.

As I 'patiently'  wait on the Lord for His timing, how can the years and the time fly by so quickly yet at the same time find myself in exactly the same place I was years before?

In my heart, I understand His ways are greater and higher. Every day I recite to myself, "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11  I get it, I really do.

- At least I want to believe I do.

I'm still on my journey of faith. My library of prayer journals assures me that I have made my heart's desires known to my Father in heaven. Devotions every morning, My Utmost..., Living Every Day..., One Year Bible Devotional, and now Jesus Calling.   He's still calling. I'm still listening -  still persevering in my faith. 

My writing is therapeutic. But it takes time and energy. It's difficult to believe that it has been almost eight months since my last 'journey entry.'  Much has happened in those many months. Life has been chaotic, unsettled, tiresome, and to be honest - discouraging. Despite my intentions to write, I just couldn't find the energy. I wanted to continue sharing my journey. But I chose my devotions over my writing. 

My faith is essential. It is essential that I stay connected with God. Though someone may stumble on to my Utmost Journey blog one day, and be encouraged, my time with God is life-giving water. Without it, I couldn't face the trials of this life with strength. He is my strength.

If there is anyone out there, who read this blog and thought I had retreated from the journey. I have not. It's that time flew by as I found myself standing still, unable to move, clinging to God so as not to stumble into a pit of despair.

A few months ago I visited a different church because I would not be able to attend home church services. As a visitor gift, I received a copy of Jesus Calling. 
I hadn't planned on visiting that church. I never felt led to purchase a copy of this devotional for myself. God, however, knew it would be a source of encouragement to me in a time of great need. Just the right human words and just the right time. Just the right scriptures to assure me God still loves me. He still cares when I hurt, and that He is still the One in control.

I'm still on this journey of faith. I'm just traveling with different reading material at the moment. I'm Still Listening as Jesus is calling.

                                        Isaiah 41:10   |    Zephaniah 3:17    |  Psalm 34:19

Lord, today and every day, help us to call on you to be our strength and our guide.