Peace, from Mom

Back into Mom's journal today.  And the entry is on peace.  Wouldn't it wonderful to walk around all day in a state of peace.  A quiet heart and mind.  Inner turmoil and confusion cease to exist.  I can't even imagine what that is like.  Some days I argue with myself over what shirt to wear or which direction to turn to run errands!  UGH!!  I long for that peace that passes understanding, the inner serenity that only Jesus can give.  Here's what Mom penned in her journal.

Peace.  A state of rest, quietness and calmness.  The absence of strife, tranquility, well-being.  A harmonious relationship between God and man, man and man, nation and nation, family and family.

Jesus gives peace to those who call on Him for personal salvation.  The Lord tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts I think toward you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.  

Worldly peace is the absence of hostility.  God's peace comes from a sense of wholeness and inner completeness.  It brings stability to a person's walk no matter what is going on in our lives.  It is prevailing and un-defeatable. 

From me.

This is the peace I long for.  Some days I ALLOW myself to get so riled up over the smallest of things.  Then I get frustrated that I allowed it.  But the Lord is working with me in this area and I know I am growing, albeit slowly.  LOL  Focusing on Scripture, claiming our trust in God's plan and timing, giving ourselves little pep talks...all of this are the tools our Father is using to teach me to remain in a quiet, peaceful place.  One of  my favorite sayings is, "God's got this."  Three simple words we can repeat to ourselves whenever we start becoming agitated over circumstances that will not cooperate with our will and desires. 

If we read the verse Mom included above, we can see that no matter what is going on around us, even when we feel like we are in the middle of the biggest, most ferocious storm, God has good plans for us, plans of peace and hope.  That alone should comfort and create stillness in our hearts. 

When we lose our peace on the inside, we react on the outside.  And it all feeds upon itself.  The more we lose our peace, the more upset we get and the more peace we continue to lose until we are just a complete wreck.  That's an awful state to walk around in.  We lose our witness, our concentration and the ability to cope go out the window. 

But if we remain in Jesus, keep pulling ourselves back to His promises and keep reminding ourselves to trust....whether in the middle of small annoyances or a raging tempest, we can remain at peace and in faith.  This takes lots of practice, but thank God, He is faithful, patient and always working with us. 

Some Scriptures to show how to obtain and remain in peace.

Psalm 34:14  Turn away from evil, and do good. Look for peace, and go after it.

Psalm 37:11  But those who are free of pride will be given the land. They will enjoy peace and success.

Psalm 85:8  I will listen to what God the Lord says. He promises peace to his faithful people. But they must not turn to foolish ways.

Psalm 119:165  Those who love your law enjoy great peace. Nothing can make them trip and fall.
 
Matthew 5:9  Blessed are those who make peace. They will be called children of God.  

We have been promised peace...it's ours!

John 14:27  I leave my peace with you. I give my peace to you. I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be troubled. And do not be afraid.

John 16:33  I have told you these things, so that you can have peace because of me. In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged! I have won the battle over the world.”

Peace comes from trusting God.

Romans 15:13  May the God who gives hope fill you with great joy. May you have perfect peace as you trust in him. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.

Lord, thank You for the peace You say is ours.  Help us to receive this beautiful gift and not let it go.  What a wonderful blessing You bestow upon Your children!  Thank You.  Help us to grab hold of it, unwrap it and keep it in our hearts every day.  In the Name of Jesus, the Prince of peace!  Amen

Find the verses that will help you remain in peace.  Meditate, memorize, write down, carry around...whatever works for you to walk in Jesus' gift of peace.  And sometimes, just take a few deep breaths!!