To me, abide is synonymous with comfort and peace.

So many stresses surround us, and fear/anger are easy reactions for me… especially when I have an imbalance of coffee or sleep (or exercise or quiet …).  And reactions can be lethal.

Obey, respect, and accept are secular synonyms, but I start there.  I turn off the TV or game when I feel that twinge of conviction.  I choose to give up the burden of what I think I want when it’s too hard or complicated – and I give it up the next day when I realize I’ve picked it up again.  I practice dying to me.

In the past, I haven’t recognized God’s best for me.  So I wait a lot – and focus on His character to help fight the impatience to push ahead or control.  I seek pockets of quiet so I can hear His voice in this world of audio clutter.

I redirect my thoughts constantly: How does Scripture describe God?  Eternally present, just, merciful, good, all-powerful, all-knowing … If we filled oceans with ink and skies with paper and the entire world’s population began to write, we would drain the ocean dry before fully describing His Love.  (The Love of God by Frederick Lehman)

Corrie Ten Boom’s simple quote says it best:

“Look at the world and be distressed.  Look within and be depressed.  Look to God and be at rest.”

Be God again, today.  Amen.