Finding Peace
John 16:33
33 “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.”
(NIV) Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peace, the feeling of well-being regardless of our circumstances, is sometimes elusive. But when we look to Jesus for our peace, we can be certain He will not leave us anxious and alone.
In 2001 I experienced my first heart attack. As I awoke Larry that morning I had a supernatural peace. I knew my situation was serious but peace enveloped me. Likewise, sixteen years later when I went through cardiac by-pass the peace was overwhelming, and as they readied me for surgery, I encouraged every person I met, thanking them in advance for their care.
Arkansas has been struck by several days of extreme weather. Tornados, torrential rains and flooding have inundated parts of our state. So at a time like this, how do we access the peace that truly passes understanding? It helps if we have developed a practice of going to God first, regardless of the circumstance. When we can know, understand and believe that God truly is our refuge, then peace is not far away.
I leave you today with the lyrics of “Wonderful Peace” by Warren Cornell published in 1889.
- Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
In celestial-like strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm.
May we keep our eyes on the One who promised to care even for the sparrows, proving the breadth and depth of His love.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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