^"And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]."--Colossians 3:15, AMPC

Some days, this is easier than others.

This morning, although I got a good night's sleep, it seemed the traffic noise and other noises were louder than usual.  I felt a bit on edge otherwise.  I needed quiet while I prayed and did my Bible study. It had rained, so the porch and table and chairs on the patio were wet, and I didn't want to take a towel.

At the same time, I knew I have SO MUCH to be thankful about--every day!

It is really unusual for me to be irritable anymore. I have--thanks be to God, Who gets all the Glory!--learned to be thankful and joyful immediately upon waking, whether in the middle of the night or in the morning, or whenever I wake.

However, irritability can be channeled--which I did this morning, in a louder prayer than usual!--praise the LORD!  It is also useful to proclaim the Word aloud, even louder than usual, which I also did.

Both of these will help give you peace; praying and proclaiming louder than usual, I mean, at least eventually. Regardless, they are powerfully putting the Spirit of God into the atmosphere around you, which is extremely important every day, and first thing.

The practical two things the LORD showed me to do, however, was (1) to put wax earplugs (which I now wear when I sleep, which does a great job of greatly diminishing noise overall) in, even before I started (2) praying and proclaiming His Word--louder than usual!  That helped me focus even more--as the train horn was blowing and the loud morning traffic was whizzing by--because I heard my own voice speaking and praying, more intensely than usual. Hallelujah!

Let us become more aware of Your Presence, LORD, like the song on the Christian radio station says!

I also turned up the Christian radio station, and sang along, 

The LORD is always with us, helping us, even when we don't feel Him. Praise Him, the Spirit of God is eternal, unchanging, and forever faithful; always with us--Emmanuel, God With Us, amen! I'm so thankful that we walk not by feelings or thoughts, but by faith--knowing He is with us, in us (as those who have accepted Christ as Savior (John 3:15-17, Romans 10:13), and around us, and for us!

Ask Him, and I'm sure He will show you even more practical ways to get the victory and keep your mind on Him, which will bring you great peace, no matter what's going on!

Through books, courses, presentations, service, prayer, worship, and more, Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. Her series for girls, P.O.W.E.R. GIRL ADVENTURES, is now out (books I-V), along with LEGACY; YOUR HOLY HEALTH: VISIONS OF THE KING, and more. See the "River Rain Creative" YT channel.