LONGING FOR GOD’S PEACE, DAY ONE

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Wednesday, April 2nd

In our times of trial, hardship, sorrow, pain, or fear, when we find ourselves desperately longing for a sense of God’s peace, isn’t it a gift to know that God is longing for us to have peace, too? Jesus gives his disciples (and all of us) these comforting assurances:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ~ John 14:27

 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. ~ John 16:33

The peace of God can be understood as the well-being of our souls throughout our daily living. Yes, “in this world we will have trouble,” but God’s peace can come to us regardless of our circumstances…

I recall a time when I could not discern an easy answer or a happy ending for a very difficult situation. As I hid away in the bathroom one night, crying and praying but receiving no direction, I finally said, “Whatever happens, God, I will be okay if you are with me.” And I was suddenly overwhelmed by an incredible sense of peace! Oh, there would be many difficult days ahead–and many more prayers–but my sense of this certain, inner peace and God’s comforting presence remained with me through it all.

Paul’s guiding words for the Philippians reveal the reason for my peace:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7

The peace of God does transcend our understanding! And this peace comes when we open ourselves to receive it, when we present our requests–surrendering ourselves and our predicaments–into God’s good care. Trusting in God’s perfect love, relinquishing our desired outcomes, letting God guide our next steps, and clinging to God’s perfect goodness, we will discover the peace that only God can give.

Whether I am feeling my small anxiety of boarding a plane, or my greater worry for a family member facing trials, or my deepest fear of losing a loved one, I can only find peace when I finally entrust everything to God. God is the One who loves us all with incredible, infinite love… the One who longs to bring our peace… the One who IS our peace, our peace beyond all understanding.

Bible verses are NIV, found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
(Photo by Karen)