Peace in Us

Peace is one of the most elusive yet desired states of being. Whether we realize it or not, we all long for peace in us. Why do we crave comfort and familiar or play to our strengths?  Because it’s comfortable and peaceful. But God grants us peace even in the uncomfortable. He meets us in the hard places with His peace.

His peace is different from all others. His is the peace that surpasses all understanding and quietly comforts in the shadow of His wings. It carries us through the unimaginable with strength not our own.

Peace in Us

This time of year we sing of peace on earth. We all hope for this but peace on earth starts with peace in us.

When all is well on the  inside: mentally, physically, and spiritually, we can be peaceful on the outside. But honestly when are we ever fully well or at peace in all three of those areas simultaneously? However difficult, I believe it’s possible.

We can be well in body, mind, and soul no matter our circumstance. I have found this peace and it’s a feeling like none other.

It begins with the Reason for the Season. Think of Jesus coming to Earth. Talk about moving from comfortable into unfamiliar! Think of Mary and Joseph and their less than peaceful path.  Jesus stepped out of His comfort zone to save us from our sinful selves. In the process, He gave us His peace.  His ever-present reminder is when we trust in and follow Him, His peace is ours.

I understand this on a cerebral level, yet I still choose worry, anxiety, or frustration. I don’t accept this gift when it’s right there in front of me. Instead, I plod along with my plan instead of His. But when I step out of my own way and follow His, I find the best peace: His.

Called to Follow

God calls all of us in one way or another. I used to think only our pastors, missionaries, or teachers got “called”. Not the case. God calls me and you too. It’s our job to pay attention to what He’s calling us to. It may not easy and may take a few tries to find our true calling. But the process of trying and following is part of the call. They are all steps on a path. His path for each of us.

When you begin to follow, while uncomfortable, the peace begins to flow. We find strength that isn’t our own. It’s not easy and not everyone will appreciate or understand what we are doing. But it all comes back to our Maker.

God created us, has a plan for us, and calls us to it. As we seek and begin to follow, He illuminates His path and gives us peace. It doesn’t matter if we are happily cruising along or in the worst moments of our life. His peace is there.

Stay connected to Him; keep seeking and following. Allow His peace to seep into your soul, mind, and body as you find your path, even if difficult. We can have peace in us, no matter the circumstance.

May your Christmas season be filled with joy, love and following His peace! Save