‘Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” ‘ John 20:21(NLT)
‘But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!’ Galatians 5:22-23(NLT)
‘I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.’ Romans 15:13(NLT)
‘The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.’ Psalms 28:7(NLT)
‘Then they said, “Ask God whether or not our journey will be successful.” “Go in peace,” the priest replied. “For the Lord is watching over your journey.”’ Judges 18:5-6(NLT)
Several years ago, both of my parents health were declining. My siblings and I had to make some tough decisions regarding their care in December of that year. Those days were filled with lots of tears and talks as we all armed ourselves with wisdom in each decision. It was enough to suck any form of peace right out of this girl.
Then the time had come for me to pack for a long awaited mission trip to Africa. I questioned, “How could I go and spread Christmas cheer to children, when I was in the middle of a troublesome situation?”
Knowing my parental situation was ongoing, I had peace about going. Once on the plane, there was more peace in leaving the stress behind. It was a relief to think about something other than difficult decisions or concerns for another family medical issue. By the time our team landed on the ground, I had left all my worries behind. I sensed in my heart this trip was perfectly timed to see my situation from the other side of the world.
Upon return, I checked in with my siblings to find that my parents were basically in the same situation as they were before I left, no worse or better. It wasn’t until I heard a sigh of relief from my brother did I understand how pressurized our family situation was and how much stress the three of us were under.
While away, I experienced a greater peace as I left my worries behind, overcoming my anxiety. I had a peace the entire length of the trip knowing God was looking out for the family’s best interest too. Seeing God’s care over my parents in my absence gave me a different perspective to see I had let worry overpower me.
Peace is an equalizing pressure that can bring your anxiety to rest. We often want peace to present itself so that we know which direction or decision we should make. True peace is found in the habit of trusting God and for doing what He says to do. I have found that peace usually comes on the other side of obedience.
Peace is habitual! We can leave every concern in God’s care. You can experience a calming peace because true peace isn’t found in your circumstances; it is found in Jesus! And it’s a companion to God’s love!
Janelle Keith
from The Peace Habit by Janelle Keith & Lori Clapper