After an extended sojourn, I wanted to reach out to you on a timely fruit of the Spirit: peace.
Do you remember the song from Sunday School that proclaims, “I have peace like a river in my soul?” Recalling singing the tune, accompanied by the hand gestures that mimicked a babbling brook, instantly set me at ease and transport me back to a time of childhood simplicity. But, in some seasons of life, the river feels more like a Class 5 rapids course, requiring all the necessary safety gear.
Are there times when you feel a peace that passes all understanding, and times when tranquility feels completely elusive? If so, I understand both.
There have been times in my life when I have felt true peace was like a carrot dangling from a stick. I have been running on an imaginary motorized belt in a futile attempt to reach the prized treasure. The trials of life – ranging from moderate obstacles to seemingly unprecedented challenges – can make the thought of peace seem more like wishful thinking than a hopeful reality.
Other times, I have felt a wave of calm sweeping over in an almost indescribable manner. No other explanation seems plausible aside from God’s presence in my life and His sovereignty over my situation.
Jesus must have known we would struggle with this pendulum shift throughout our lives. Even in the anticipation of His crucifixion, Jesus reminded His disciples to take refuge in the Holy Spirit following His physical departure from this world.
Jesus, as recorded in John 14:27 (NIV), affirms His disciples by saying, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
This truth remains with us in the here and now. The world may be filled with uncertainty, but our Heavenly Father invites us into a relationship with the Holy Spirit whose presence is anything but uncertain. He is a living, loving shepherd in our lives waiting to be invited into our days and circumstances.
The creator of the universe is not surprised by our stories. Nor is He unaware of our hurts, worries or strife.
In fact, just a little later in John 16:33 (NIV), Jesus declares, “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.”
Sometimes, when we are in the thick of it, we need to phone a friend. But, every day, we have a direct line to our Lord. We are not promised a life free from trials. However, our Lord does assure us He will be there with us through them and always answer our call.
Perhaps, welcoming Jesus into our daily journeys can reveal the way to calm the raging waters of life, turning the rapids within our souls into more peaceful tributaries. We can begin today.
Rooted in Grace and Grit 