“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,”

John 14:27 NIV

It was one of those mornings when your to do lists and yesterday’s stress hits your head before your feet ever touch the floor. With my mind still swirling, I headed to my devotional chair in the living room.

I opened my Bible but couldn’t concentrate. So, I thought I would just start sharing my concerns with God – that will help to re-center me. I found myself walking around the house telling God everything that was wrong and how yesterday’s circumstances had left me feeling so overwhelmed. The devil was clearly intervening in my quiet time. And the sad thing--I was letting him.

Yes, I was getting everything off my chest, but I wasn’t allowing God to take centerstage. I wasn’t thanking God for the blessing of a new day, and for what he had already brought me through. I was ranting about what I was not seeing done. All the time He was working.

As I prepared breakfast, I continued my conversation explaining in detail how I felt things were not working out. When I closed the refrigerator door a note fell from the door. I keep a collection of notes and scriptures on the refrigerator door, so I always see a scripture. I stared at the card lying on the floor. It was a bookmark. On the side facing me it said, “Mornings with Jesus.” Turning the card over I read the verse, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,” (John 14:27 NIV). Tears filled my eyes. Guilty!

My frustration was keeping me from the really important task of the day – staying connected with Jesus. He literally dropped me a note to remind me not to start my day without Him.

Mitzie Avera