Peace— Be Still

‘Peace that passes understanding’ is just that…it is a peace and a calm that is beyond anything that we can understand— that really makes no logical, human sense.

I am amazed by it. In the midst of chaos, confusion, and uncertainty, I have questions— unknowns…but there is also a peace.

You have to know that for a large part of my life I have carried a root of fear…

⁃ I was afraid of the dark. (My grandma ‘taught’ me about the ‘boogie’ man!)

⁃ I was afraid of losing my parents. I was afraid they would divorce. (They are here and doing well— and have been married for over 50 years!)

⁃ I was afraid of failing.

⁃ I was afraid of ill health.

⁃ I was afraid of intruders.

⁃ I was afraid of tragedy.

⁃ I was afraid of what people might think of me (especially when putting myself or my thoughts out there, such as in writing).

I am sure if I thought longer, I could think of more things that over the years I have feared

— WORRIED about.

What changed? I still have concerns and try to guard against sickness and calamity or tragedy…and I most definitely pray about those things; but the bottom line is not only praying, but surrendering those things to God and trusting Him that He really does know what’s best. He can see the whole ballgame. He sees what good can come from a situation even when we can’t.

I am one that I don’t want anyone (including myself!) to suffer heartache. So, I do ask God for my heart’s desires. And based on the following scripture (among others), I believe that He wants to give me that…

“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

Psalms 37:4 KJV

I believe He delights in giving us our heart’s desires unless He knows that His way (over our desires) is best…for His ways are higher than ours (reference Isaiah 55:9); and I ‘must needs’ surrender to His will.

Surrender is not easy, this I know.

Surrender:to give oneself up, as into the power of another; submit or yield.

It’s very difficult to relinquish control, even to The One who is already in control. He gives us free will, of course, but it’s surrendering our will to His that’s the hard part. We tend to want it our way. I know. I also know that surrender is where we gain peace— that passes understanding.

When anxious thoughts and questions begin to come in, I talk to God {I am so glad that He made a way that I could come boldly to His throne and talk to Him through my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! (reference Hebrews 4:16)} I talk to Him about whatever might be trying to invade my thoughts. Sometimes, I must remind myself that…TODAY, I am well; my family is well; we are safe; we have food; we have income; we have Jesus (whom NOTHING can separate us from— thanks for the reminder Pastor Jason*). Embrace THIS moment— and give thanks. #perspective

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, [emphasis mine], shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

https://www.bible.com/1/php.4.6-7.kjv

I think during this time of unprecedented (in our lifetimes) decrease in activity, there are many questions about food, health, well-being, normalcy, end times and what exactly comes with that, gatherings like church, jobs,— toilet paper. If we can slow down, BREATHE, find our calm, and be still, we can know and remember— and feel…that He is still God, He is still in control, and we can have a peace that floods our soul and is beyond our understanding.

““Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.””

Psalms 46:10 NLT

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* https://www.facebook.com/northbendchurch/videos/230195121436144?sfns=mo