I understand that when a hurricane comes, birds instinctively find the ‘eye’ of the storm. I have been told that skies are often clear above the eye and winds are relatively light because it is actually the calmest section of any hurricane. The eye is so calm because the strong surface winds that converge towards the center never reach it. Smart little winged creatures! They travel within the eye.
Recently, I have enjoyed finding a place of rest in the midst of what in past times in life would have been overwhelming to me. I am not by nature a calm person. I wonder how I have lived so many years without true peace? I do not know why I have been so anxious in life, however, this seems to be a season in my life that finally the truth of God’s Words is penetrating in a real and deep way. It has not come easily though, I have be honest.
A truth in the Bible hit me like a ton of bricks the other day. Jesus gives us His peace. “Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]” John 14.27.
I must have read this verse hundreds, if not thousands, of times over the 45 years I have read the Bible. But I never had true peace. I pretended to and wished I had, but the truth is , I had turmoil, anxiety, worry, and more. I bragged about making worrying an Olympic sport. Very foolish really.
Peace- I cannot even grasp the true meaning of the word or find words to define ‘peace.’ Free of anxiety, tranquil, no emotional upset, and other words may be available, but not truly express the still feeling that is glorious deep inside oneself that is called ‘peace.’ This is what God wants for us and God gives to us – as a free gift.
God’s Word also tells us, “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([a]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [b]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [c]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4.6-7. (emphasis mine) Another version calls it ‘the peace that passes understanding.”
I pray for you and all of the ones you love to be blessed in a new way today with God’s peace.
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