by Sandra Allen Lovelace @SandraALovelace #FreedomWalker #TimetobeYOU
As a woman surround by a world full of toil and tumult, peace sure seems like a hard place to find let alone a way of life to settle into. Then again, maybe my desire and search for, my perception and goal of peace, are faulty.
What if peace isn’t an attitude I can create by arranging my environment or adjusting my perspective? What if peace is temporary and fleeting, available only outside my ability to achieve? What if accepting that reality would allow my hunger and thirst, fixation and striving for peace cease and I could simply enjoy peace more fully and more often?
And so, I head to Scripture where I consider Jesus’ words to His disciples that they would have peace in Him, and that the brand of peace He offers is different than the world’s . . . that His peace calms hearts and removes fear. Actually, Paul’s explanation to the Romans tells me peace, reconciliation and the end of striving, with God Himself comes through grace by faith in Jesus as my Lord.
Paul lays out for the Philippians how to secure the peace Jesus brings: rejoicing, gentleness, trust, confidence, prayer, requests with thankfulness, minds set on what is honorable, right, pure, lovely, positive, excellent, and praise-worthy. It seems peace resides with us to the degree to which we practice these activities.
But how does anyone maintain those guidelines perfectly and consistently? There’s my dilemma Share on X
I begin again. Maybe peace isn’t meant to be a product to obtain and enjoy, like a problem-free home purchased online with good credit. Since Jesus is the source of peace, and salvation by faith in Him is the delivery process, a relationship with Him must be the key.
I conclude, biblical peace, the kind the world cannot grasp, is more like Exodus 16 manna. Share on X
I’m the one who’s dependent and Jesus is my Provider. He sends peace from heaven to meet my needs, not too much that I might gorge myself and get sick, nor too little that I would go hungry and starve. Right on time for me to gather and enjoy, but not too often that I forget its sweetness and wander off on my own. In just the right amount on the perfect schedule to keep me close to Him, in a tender, merciful, and thriving embrace.
Do you struggle to build peace into your daily life?
If you find this concept shift interesting, reach out at SandraAllenLovelace@gmail.com.
Whole. Secure. Free. in Christ,
Sandra
John 10:33, John 14:27, Romans 5:1, Philippians 4:4-9
