"I am leaving you with a gift -- peace of mind and heart. And the peace that I give is a gift that the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27Peace is a most precious gift.
It's easy to think I'm living in the Lord's peace when everything around me is calm and things are going well. But when something enters my world which threatens my security or when someone accuses me or misjudges me, when my plans are all upset or even wrecked, when it begins to look as if God won't come through for me like I hoped, then I discover my peace was nothing more than tranquility. My heart becomes filled with anxiety and I toss and turn through the night in fear.
"You will keep him in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" Isaiah 26:3
So simple and yet so powerful. All my anxious "what ifs" can be banished by a mere act of the will -- fixing my gaze and my thoughts on the Prince of Peace, who is lavish with His gifts.
I'm discovering that peace -- the Lord's peace -- is addicting. Having tasted it, my spirit longs for more. All that anxiety is exhausting and wears me out. Sooner or later, my eyes catch the glance of One who has been patiently waiting.
"Come here, Dear Heart, and rest. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you. So do not fear, for I am with you. "
Perfect peace.
4 comments:
I've realized that it was during the darkest times of my life that I learned the most about God's peace. It's made the suffering worth it, I think.
Wonderful post!
Thanks, Billy! Always encouraging!
This is beautiful!!
You remind me of John 10--sort of a life chapter for me, but in John 10 God says "I know my people and not one of them can be snatched from my hand..." Darkness gives me no pause when I'm fixed in the palm of God.
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