Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV.

This morning in our Friday Retreat group, we did a meditation on The Beloved Prayer, by Arthur LeClair. Jesus is the Beloved. I am the Beloved. We are all the Beloved. Does that seem impossible? At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:3-7. I don’t know about you, but I want to enter into a moratorium on the love of the “world” that draws me away from God’s love for all of us. All the distractions – politics, violence, nationalism, greed, war, sexual confusion, slavery to addictions and the violence they bring, love of celebrity, love of lies – Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17.

It’s when we turn back to our Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit, that the world makes sense. He is the guiding light showing us a better way and it all begins in Him. No matter the need, no matter the joy – our God is here longing for our good that He brings about. And this short psalm, Psalm 70, is filled with our situation living in a world of stresses we cannot comprehend and the One who helps us see our present reality as His beloved. We are loved. Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me, v. 1. Why do we need God to save us? May those who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” turn back because of their shame. v. 2-3. One day we will stand before our Creator and everything that went before will be behind us. What will our reality be then? This present “world” that is behind and no more for us holding all of our collective sins? Do we live in fear of that moment? Do you not know that you are the beloved? He gave His life for you. And that sacrifice was needed. We live in a world of darkness whether we know it or not. There is no darkness in our God. None. There is light. There is help. There is love. And today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow’s tomorrows? But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!”…But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay. v. 4-5.

Lord, help me live today knowing and loving You. That is the joy we share together! Being the Beloved!