I sing a simple song of love

Prayerlessness is one of many ways by which we can easily forfeit the peace God wants us to have. I've been thinking of some other ways. Here's a sampling:

1. Resent God's ways.
2. Worry as much as possible.
3. Pray only about things you can't manage by yourself.
4. Refuse to accept what God gives.
5. Look for peace elsewhere than in Him.
6. Try to rule your own life.
7. Doubt God's word.
8. Carry all your cares.

If you'd rather not forfeit your peace, here are eight ways to find it (antidotes to the above eight):

1. "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them" (Psalm 119:165 KJV). "Circumstances are the expression of God's will," wrote Bishop Handley Moule.
2. "Don't worry about anything whatever" (Philippians 4:6, PHILLIPS).
3. "In everything make your requests known to God in prayer and petition with thanksgiving. Then the peace of God... will guard your hearts" (Philippians 4:6,7, NEB).
4. "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me... and you will find rest" (Matthew 11:29, NIV).
5. "Peace is my parting gift to you, my own peace, such as the world cannot give" (John 14 27, NEB).
6. "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" (Colossians 3:15, NIV).
7. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing" (Romans 15:13, KJV).
8. "Cast all your cares on him for you are his charge" (1 Peter 5:7, NEB).

~ Elisabeth Elliot, Keep a Quiet Heart

I have come to a place of acceptance. Yes, I need to continue to push for medical answers so that I can have the best possible outcome here on earth. But I accept that God is allowing this trouble at this time. My seemingly infinite love of my children in this season of preparation for separation is such a picture to me of how my Father in heaven looks down on me. My main emotion the last few days is unworthiness...of His love, of this test. What a complex, interesting God we serve! I can't wait to ask Him a few questions about how trials are allotted and what happened before His throne through these difficult days of my life. How many prayers is He hearing every day? Which does He choose to answer? Does He cry about it, or, knowing the final outcome, is that grief spared Him, my Creator?