Deeper into His Peace
So the, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 2 Peter 3:14 (NIV)
We are never too old to try something new! After reading this devotion, I realized that yoga might be a good way for me to release some of the tension in my body. It might even help improve my sleep (or lake thereof). Wouldn’t it be nice to relax into His Grace? Clare McGarry (Mornings with Jesus) connects her prayer life to the benefits of yoga. Fascinating read!
*****
As much as I wish I did yoga every day, I’m just not that disciplined. When I do finally hit the mat, I approach it as I do everything else—all in and determined to do my best. Consequently, I sometimes strain my muscles trying to do the poses as perfectly as the instructor on the video. Then, I remember: Yoga is not about might; it’s about gentleness and breathing. So I refocus. When I finally reach the point when I truly exhale, I relax into it and everything changes. That’s when my tension releases. That’s when I stop striving. That’s when my muscles actually stretch farther of their own accord because they’re no longer clenched.
My pattern continues in prayer. When I first sit before Jesus, I search for the right words to sound eloquent as I pepper Him with my problems and petitions. It’s as if the more I strain to find Him, the faster He’ll show up. It isn’t until I’ve poured it all out before Him and then pause to catch my breath that I truly exhale all the chaos, making room for His grace. As my spirit becomes pliable, I refocus on the awareness that Jesus has been beside me all the time; I’ve just been would to tight to notice. The more time I spend in His presence, the more I relax into His grace, soaking up His blessings, going deeper into His peace.
FAITH STEP: Take a moment to focus on your breathing. Inhale slowly; exhale deeply, making space to receive Jesus’s grace.
Loving Lord, thank You for being our peace. Help us to refocus our lives on You; forgetting the chaos of the world. You are all we need. AMEN.