His Perfect Peace

I was reminded today that it is the Presence of God that brings me peace, not the absence of troubles.

Oh how I needed that reminder....

bills are due....
they outweigh the paycheck as usual.
My old one has ended; my new job hasn't started yet
I haven't heard the start date yet and I wonder why...
the car is on empty and I need to figure out a way to drive into town so I can collect my last paycheck so I can buy gas for my car!
checked my bank account this morning and discovered a garnishment was taken by a creditor we owe money to. I don't dispute the amount we owe them but we've been trying to work out a payment arrangement with them and they do this?? never mind the fact that some checks are going to bounce now thank to the garnishment...
the job hubby has spent weeks working on the price estimates for came to a screeching halt once the prospective home owners got the estimate... hours for which he won't receive compensation.... and it's iffy they will decide to proceed with the project.
my house looks like a mini tornado came through here... laundry in various stages of dirty, clean, wrinkled, are my decor. dirty dishes, an unmade bed and a muddy floor taunt me....
I feel disorganized, chaotic and uncertain. Troubles surround me and I want to let the waves of depression drag me into a cave....

I pick up my worn bible and sit down with a cup of coffee and drink in both. It doesn't even seem to matter what section of scripture I read to feel His Presence....
to feel alive again.
to find hope.
courage.
peace.

Dirty dishes stacked by the sink, tell me we ate good last night.  an unmade bed says I slept warm and comfortable.  muddy footprints in the entry way remind me that my husband is doing his best to make ends meet. Bills will come every month and serve to remind me of all the blessings we have each month; a place to live, electricity and water, precious commodities that many MANY in this world DO NOT have.

I sink back against the couch and let HIS WORD wash over me.... the troubles do not go away but His Presence-- HIS MIGHTY PRESENCE -- sustains me. I will dwell in His Presence.

Yesterday I took a pleasurable dip in a emerald green lake and felt both the exhilaration and refreshment that came from the cool temperature of the water. It wasn't too cold, it was actually just cool enough-- a wonderful contrast against the rising heat of the day. Floating with my girlfriends, using a water noodle to keep me stable, it is a great example of how the Holy Spirit is working for me. He refreshes like cool water, He brings me companionship, He gives me a buoyancy to stay afloat in times of weariness. And like the water that surrounded me, how much more so does My God.

I am saturated.