How are you?

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How are you, Tracy?", I asked myself on the morning of January 1st as my family was sleeping away and I was journalling since I had to get up to go out with the dog. "I am very well for I am at peace with God", I answered. Peace with God. That's a phrase I've heard used over and over throughout my Christian walk. "Steps to Peace with God" is a tract that people use to share their faith (I seem to connect it to the Billy Graham Evangelist Association). And, yes, while the gospel can be explained in a few short pages, the astounding magnitude of it's significance is something that only eternity will grant us the capacity to fully comprehend. So, while I continue to remain on this side of eternity, I joyful welcome the progressive unfolding of the reality that I am at peace with God.

What was I thinking about on New Year's morning? Specifically that peace with God matters more than peace with other people (although peace with others is possible because of peace with God). Also, that peace with God is possible RIGHT NOW because of the death and resurrection of Christ. It also brought to mind that moments that I am not well because I am not at peace with God: I'm doubting His goodness or power; I've sinned against Him and others, or I'm doubleminded with my heart/mind torn between God and something/someone else. The awareness of my peace with God has made me more attentive to the times that I don't feel at peace with Him. In those times, I admit it (often by acknowledging the anxiety rising in my stomach or chest) and then try to lay out before the Lord what I see as the cause. If it unclear, I pray the prayer of David in Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." and then respond to anything He reveals. Including the grace to receive peace with Him again!

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