Peace. It’s what we all strive for. But do even know what it is?

Is it life without complications?

Life without trials and worry?

Everyday filled with happiness and joy where everything goes our way?

Where the day goes as planned?

The drive in to work and home is quick and uneventful. The kids do their chores and their homework. They don’t fight or complain about what’s for supper.  The husband is loving, kind, helpful and content.  We end our day with a hot bath and a glass of wine.  Ahhh. Perfect peace right?

I’m so sorry to disappoint, but the answer to each of those questions is, NO.

Perfect Peace

Perfect peace only comes from a walking, working relationship with Christ. Where we are “all good” despite all that goes wrong in our day.  Where we are in the Word.  One where we take everything to Jesus by prayer and petition.

Philippians 4:6-7

“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.”

Tough Part

That is hard, at least for me.  I am a strong willed person.  I can do all things through my own strength.  YIKES!!!  There’s some pride for ya.

The Word says, Phillippians 4:13,  “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Not my strength, but HIS strength.

Each day, in every situation, I need to go to the cross.  I need to find a quiet place with no distractions and just pray.  Just talk with the Lord and tell him how I feel, praise and thank Him for all he’s done for me.  It helps bring peace.

The tough part is remembering that I can’t handle it on my own.

You know how people always say, ” God will only give us what we can handle”?  Well that’s not exactly true.   Let’s look at the Word in 1 Corinthians 10

1 Corinthians 10:12-14

12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 

So really, God is faithful to provide a way out so we can handle what comes our way.   Because to be honest, who can “handle” a cancer diagnosis or the loss of a close loved one.

I can’t.

When I lost my dad just over 2 years ago, I lost all sense of reality.  I felt as though I was on the edge of a deep, dark cavern trying to decide whether I should just let go and fall in or not.   It was only through the grace of God that I was able to stand up and walk away from the pit of despair.  Without Him, I would have spiraled with no end to the pain in sight.

It was my God who saved me once again.  Praise the Lord.

Recap

What is peace and how do we find it?   Peace is being able to seek the Lord despite our circumstances and letting it be well with our soul.  Knowing that He has our best interest at heart.  The He will never leave us or forsake us.  The He will help us and hold our right hand.    Going to Jesus each and every day, with all circumstances, by prayer and petition.  Allowing Him to give us peace and joy anyway.  That is true peace.

Deuteronomy 31:6

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Isaiah 41:13

 

Response

How do you find “true” peace despite your circumstances?  I want to hear your story.

 

Happy Spring

♥Sabrina