Where the Peace Resides

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

I’ve been thinking more about peace lately. What it means, how to get it, and most importantly, how to keep it. Living in a world that constantly threatens or at least runs counter to it, it’s critical to have a strategy and mechanism by which we protect it.

When I asked the question to myself “what brings me peace” transparently, the first thing I thought of was clarity. I like being clear and understanding beyond a shadow of a doubt where I am and where I’m going. The reality is, we are in control of very little in this world so there will always be things that aren’t clear or we don’t understand. Therefore, if I’m relying on understanding and clarity for my peace, it will always be fleeting and I’ll be in a constant state of anxiety. I want a sustainable, unshakable peace. Is that too much to ask for?

The answer to that question is actually no and here’s why.

If you have accepted God as your father, you serve THE God of peace. That means He is the ultimate source of it. 

I’ve found more than anything else, being in and recognizing God’s presence brings me peace. And the beautiful thing about His presence is that you can enter it anytime. Whether through prayer, listening to worship music, reading scripture, or walking in nature, I can immediately access peace. Now that’s sustainable!

Some may say, “easier said than done” or “it’s not as simple as that.” Oh, but it is.

There are many verses in the Bible about peace, but I think this treasure in Philippians chapter four, gets to the heart of our access to it.

He’s given us the roadmap to peace. Immerse yourself in His word. Seek out His wisdom. Be obedient. Follow His example by showing compassion, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love. That’s where you will find peace. Will everything be right in the world? No, but you’ll be surrounded by the One who offers peace amid the chaos and confusion. 

If your peace is disturbed not by the outside, but by what’s within, go to Him in prayer. That same chapter of Philippians also offers instructions to go to Him and tell Him what we need. 

If sometimes, you’re like me and you don’t even know what you need, ask God to reveal it to you. Trust He already knows but wants us to come to Him to get it. 

Lastly, I believe our peace is connected to our gratitude. In Phil 4:6, it says to tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. When we are grateful, it puts our worries into perspective. Gratitude helps us to trust God, because we acknowledge Him for what He’s already done. And if He’s provided before – whether it’s wisdom, protection, healing, comfort, or a tangible fulfillment of a need – He can do it again. 

Seek Him. Follow Him. Obey Him. Trust Him. Thank Him. That is where the peace resides.

For more golden life ventures visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.

Prayer Works

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

We’ve all heard this phrase multiple times, especially those immersed in church culture. I’m a believer, no doubt, but recently I dug a little deeper and pondered what makes this statement so true. PRAYER WORKS.

Did you know that prayer works, not just because God answers in the way we envisioned?

Spoiler alert, I won’t wait until the end of this blog post to get to my main point. Prayer works not because we get what we request. Prayer works because when we pray, we get to build a personal relationship with our Creator and Father regardless of the outcome.

James 4:8 says “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” The best way to draw near to Him is through prayer. When I think about my favorite Bible characters – Joseph, Moses, Sarah, Hannah, Job, David, Mary (any of them) – no matter how flawed or sinful they were, they all had deep relationships with God through prayer. And He blessed them because of their faith.

By the way, being blessed didn’t mean they always got what they wanted when they wanted it. Also, an answered prayer can be no or not yet, and they are just as powerful. Sarah was a senior when she received her yes for a child. Joseph seemed to be on a downward spiral for years before he was elevated to second in command in all of Egypt, which he never requested. Job lost his entire family, all of his wealth, and his good health, despite his obedience and faithfulness to the Lord. Amid all their hardship, God was building their faith in Him through their prayer lives. That, above all, is what blessed them.

Each time David found himself in hot water, which was quite often, He was comforted by His conversations with His father. Sometimes His situation didn’t change. For example, he prayed that God would spare his first son’s life, despite the adulterous relationship that led to his son’s conception. God chose to take that son’s life, but David’s faith in God did not waiver. And God continued to elevate him despite his sins.

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! John 15:4, 8 (NLT)

This scripture in the book of John perfectly describes how and why prayer works. You may ask, what does it mean to “remain in me”? I believe God is asking us to “remain” in His word (learning and studying Him through scripture), “remain” in His commands (being obedient to the Word), and most importantly, “remain” in His presence (speaking and listening to Him through prayer). When we do these things, we will embody His Word and become more like Him. That is how He “remains in us.”

Ultimately, we are to take our lead from Jesus. Even though Jesus was our Father Himself in human form; even though Jesus was perfect in every way and knew no sin; even though He knew everything that would happen before it happened…He still prayed, constantly. He did it because He knew the power of it, and He wanted to set an example for us.

Whether or not we receive what we request, I want you to know that prayer has great power. It comforts us; it releases us from guilt and shame; it cleanses us; it calms us; it heals us; it strengthens us; it renews and restores us; but above all, it further tethers us to the One who is sovereign over all things.

For more golden life ventures visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.

Be the Light

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but for many, it can also be a time of loneliness, struggle, or pain. As we celebrate the season, it’s important to remember that the love and kindness of Christ are needed more than ever. You never know what someone may be going through, and you might just be the only glimpse of Christ they see.

The Power of Simple Acts of Kindness

In the busy days leading up to Christmas, it’s easy to get caught up in shopping and to-do lists. But let’s not forget the power of simple acts of kindness. A warm smile, a thoughtful word, or a helping hand can make someone feel seen and valued. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus reminds us, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Every act of kindness is an opportunity to serve Him.

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Loving Others as Christ Loved Us

The true meaning of Christmas isn’t in gifts or decorations but in the love we show others. Christ came to Earth not for the perfect, but for the broken. He embraced people’s flaws with love, and we are called to do the same. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Loving others—especially those who may be hard to love—is how we reflect Christ’s heart.

This holiday season, many people face pain—whether it’s from loss, financial strain, or personal struggles. By offering love, patience, and understanding, we show them the kindness of Christ. Your love could be the lifeline someone needs to get through tough times.

Being a Light in Someone’s Darkness

We are called to be a light in the world, especially during dark times. In Philippians 2:15, Paul writes, “Shine among them like stars in the sky.” As you encounter people this season, remember that your light may be the only one they see. Reach out to those who might be silently suffering—whether it’s a friend, a coworker, or a neighbor. Offer your presence, your prayers, or simply your ear. In doing so, you reflect the love of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.

The True Gift of the Season

Jesus is the ultimate gift to us—given out of pure love. In 2 Corinthians 9:15, Paul writes, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” This Christmas, may we all remember that the greatest gift we can give isn’t something wrapped in paper, but the gift of love. When we show kindness to others, we share the season’s true meaning.

Scriptures to Inspire Your Heart:

  • 1 John 4:19 – “We love because He first loved us.”
  • Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before others.”
  • Romans 15:7 – “Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
  • Galatians 6:9-10 – “Let us not become weary in doing good… Let us do good to all people.”

This Christmas, let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus. This holiday season I pray that as we reflect on the love Christ has shown us, we let that love overflow to others. We never know when our kindness will be the light someone needs.

Merry Christmas!

For more golden life ventures visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.

How to Lose Well

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

Nothing lasts forever. All (good) things come to an end. The only thing constant in this world is change. These are common phrases we’ve all heard that attempt to explain the transient nature of this earthly life. These statements are all true, but they don’t always provide comfort.

Whether it’s the loss of someone’s spirit and personality due to a debilitating illness, a shift in circumstances, a failed relationship, or death, loss hurts. And many times what makes it hurt more are the feelings that remain. 

As I took time to be still and process the homegoing of a loved one this week, I pondered…what do we do with the hope, love, and faith that previously filled us up when we experience loss? Where do we place the hope that our loved one who battled an illness would recover? How do we carry the love that remains after the object of that love passes on? What happens with the faith in one more tomorrow when tomorrow ceases to exist?

As Christians, if we are suffering from the loss of a loved one to death, we are supposed to find comfort in the fact that our loved one is in a better place. We are to find solace in that they are no longer suffering and are resting in the loving arms of our Father. It sounds good and we believe that to be true. But, the reality is our hearts still hurt from the absence of their physical presence.

The Bible tells us in Psalm 147 verse 3, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” That means we can bring our pain to our loving Father, trusting Him to heal us when we experience loss. That doesn’t mean we won’t feel sorrow for a time – after all, Jesus wept too, even though He knew about the miracle He would perform that would shortly bring joy to the brokenhearted.

The Word also tells us in 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 “God is our merciful father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” This verse answers, “What do we do with the hope, love, and faith that previously filled us up when we experience loss?” We pass it on to those who need it.

How do we lose well? We pay forward our hope, love, and faith to someone who needs it. And there is ALWAYS someone who needs it. 

I love the sovereignty of God. We may not understand His timing or every move He makes, but we can trust His ultimate plans for our good. 

If you’re uncertain about how to pay the hope, faith, and love forward, be sure to ask. Another promise found in Matthew 7:7-8 is “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

For more golden life ventures visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.