Ephesians 1:2

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

~ Ephesians 1:2

Peace Isn't An Emotion, But It Is

I don't know about you, but I often think of peace as an emotion; a feeling of restfulness and quietness of heart. But you know what? Peace is not an emotion. I think we get way too caught up with wanting to feel peaceful that we forget what peace really is.

Peace is knowing that God is in control of our lives no matter what (Romans 8:28). Peace is trusting that God is with us always (Isaiah 41:10). Peace is laying down our concerns at the feet of Jesus (Matthew 11:28). Peace is believing that we are forever secured in our salvation (John 10:29). Peace is resting in God's promises, knowing that He will keep His Word (Psalm 18:30). Peace is found in the Prince of Peace: Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:6).

When we are truly resting in the peace of God, the emotions of rest and quietness will often follow. So in a sense, peace is an emotion. We can feel at peace. But there will be times when we don't feel at peace, but are still at peace in God.

Things in our lives will not be always peaceful and our emotions at times will be up and down. But in the midst of it all, we can find peace, if we seek it. Turning our focus back to what is important in those moments, we can rest in the truth about God. We need to turn our eyes back to Christ. Peace is a choice, by God's grace, to focus on the Lord, not an emotion based on what's going on in our lives. But the emotion of peacefulness often follows our focus on true peace, the peace of God.

When we stop trying to feel peaceful, and rather, focus on the things of peace that I mentioned above from God's Word, feelings of peacefulness will often result. While, on the other hand, if we try to feel peaceful by just trying to feel peaceful, there isn't really anywhere to go with that. If anything, we will only have a fleeting, unreal, fluffy peace that is dependant wholly on what's going on in our lives. But in Christ, our peace is secure, even in the most turbulent of times because it isn't built on an emotion. It is built on Him. This peace is real, steadfast, and strong. We can cling to Jesus Christ. He is our Peace.

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. 

The Lord be with all of you." ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:16

In His Peace,

Christina

Soli Deo Gloria ~ To God Alone Be the Glory! 

Psalm 29:11

May the Lord give strength to his people! 

May the Lord bless his people with peace! 

~ Psalm 29:11

Perfect Peace

I have a friend who is flying out of the country today. Another friend is finishing preparations for a work project due tomorrow. Yet another friend is hurting. And another friend is struggling in their faith. Still another friend is very busy. So many things. So much going on. Lots to pray about. Yet in the midst of it all, I can't help but be reminded of this beautiful verse in Isaiah, "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you" (Isaiah 26:3).

Yesterday my mom and I were talking about doubts and she said,"We just need to trust God. Where else is there to go?" There is no other place where we will find peace but in Him. Only here will our hearts find the rest we truly long for and need.

God has given me His perfect peace today. I start another eight week semester of school tomorrow. I really don't want to. This past week with no homework has been so nice. But there is a quietness in my heart today that comes only from God, as I enjoy this evening and look toward the rest of the week, knowing that He will be with me. Resting in His hands, I can have perfect peace, because He is holding me.

When I think about this verse and the words "whose mind is stayed on you", I think of looking at God with an undivided gaze. Did you ever play the staring game as a kid? You know, where you stare at the other person and try keep your eyes open the longest? It hurts and burns and doesn't usually last very long! Well, you know what? We need to be staring at God every moment. We will at times break our gaze from His, because we are weak, and life is so distracting. And yet, by His grace, we need to come back again and again, turning our eyes back to His, focusing on the Lord.

There are so many things I could be worried about right now. So many things. But the Lord wants my mind to be fixed on Him. My eyes to be turned toward His. And as His grace leads me to Him, my heart relaxes and I know the sweet peace that can only come from trusting Him.

Friends, we need to trust God. "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock" (Isaiah 26:4). For it is only in Him that we can truly find perfect peace.

Resting,
Christina

Soli Deo Gloria ~ To God Alone Be the Glory!