Pursuing Peace

A few days ago my mom did a post on her blog about her new floor and the way she wrote passages from the Bible on it just before the tile was laid. She knew no one would see the verses; she put them there for herself, so she’d always know she was literally standing on God’s word. Each scripture relates to the way God directs the steps of His children. Right away I asked her for a copy of those verses.

I’ve struggled with indecision big-time since becoming a mom. I know God is sovereign, but He still leaves a lot up to us, which is great but also unsettling. I remember standing outside Sky’s nursery when she was just four months old, listening to her cry, wondering what to do. Pick her up and encourage her to want me more during the night? Or let her cry and lose my mind? I’d read just about every baby-sleep book out there and in my own sleep-deprived haze, the decision seemed huge. I remember wondering why God didn’t put at least one little chapter in the Bible about how to cope with an overtired, sleep-resistant baby.

In the end I ran in and grabbed Sky out of her crib. Over time I learned that I’m just not a stick-to-the-schedule, cry-it-out mom. It works for some people, but so far, not for me. Looking back, I think God did guide us through those long days and nights, but at the time it seemed like He was quiet and we were stumbling along on our own.

For me, making decisions takes faith. I tend to overanalyze things to the point that I don’t want to move forward in any direction. That’s why verses about God’s guidance mean so much to me. When I have a big choice in front of me (or a little one—I can stress plenty about those too), I don’t usually feel like God is leading me. But the Bible says He is. So it helps to fill my mind with God’s promises.

These verses, some from my mom’s floor and some I’ve been trying to memorize, have been reassuring to me lately and I thought I’d share them with you too.

(Click on a reference to read the verse.)

[accordions] [accordion title=”Psalm 16:7-8 “] “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” [/accordion] [accordion title=”Psalm 23:3b”] “He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.” [/accordion] [accordion title=”Psalm 25:9″] “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.” [/accordion] [accordion title=”Psalm 25:12″] “Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.” [/accordion] [accordion title=”Psalm 32:8″] “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” [/accordion] [accordion title=”Psalm 142:3a”] “When my spirit grows faint within me, it is You who watch over my way.” [/accordion] [accordion title=”Jeremiah 6:16″] “The Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’” [/accordion] [/accordions]

Sometimes, if I’m really struggling, I’ll read them out loud, and it’s almost like the atmosphere around me changes. Or maybe it’s just me that changes. Either way, when I read God’s word, He replaces the pressure I put on myself with His peace.