The Gift of Peace

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Hey there! Today I’m privileged to be in the spotlight at Finding Purpose in the Pain.  (post goes live 12/6) Sure hope you will stop over there and say hi!

In an effort to maintain all my responsibilities and share graciously with you, today’s post is an excerpt from my Christmas ebook. Enjoy!

From 12 Days of Christmas for the hurting, Day 5

Gifts that cannot be wrapped tangibly in a box are not what some would call gifts. I beg to differ. While “world peace” is quoted at beauty pageants as the answer for all humanity, inner peace is what most truly desire. It cannot be bought or purchased; neither can it be found in the tangible items in which we seek it. Peace only comes from knowing Jesus.

but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6&7

At its very root, the word “peace” means harmony or agreement. Peace with God means you are in harmony with His plan in your life. Not because you understand it or even like it. But because you are trusting Him.   And if you are trusting Him to take you to Heaven, why would you not trust Him to love you so much while you are away from Heaven that He causes His very best to be performed in your life?

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

When beautiful peace eludes my soul, the ugly substitute is worry and fear.

We can allow a hurtful issue to make us bitter…or make us better. We can accept God’s love for us; or feed Satan’s lies into our soul so deeply that the facts of God’s love are covered up. They are masked by the façade of untruth. Oh, God’s love is still present in its glory and fullness. But our eyes become blind to the truth of it.

Notice in the verse above “not as the world gives do I give to you.” The world’s gifts are shallow and meaningless. On top of that, they are temporary. God’s peace is deep and fulfilling. And permanent.
My Toddler T loves to read a book in the afternoon before nap. And Mommy loves to read a book to Toddler T. We snuggle on her bed for a moment and then in her chipper little voice she pleas, “Mommy, read to me.” Many times she sits up tall and hangs on every word of the book. Even when she knows it by heart. Sometimes she is so tired that she lies very still and fights to keep her precious little eyes open during our special time together. But because she loves the sound of my voice and the meaning of the story, she listens with every fiber of her being.
Maybe you are like her…so tired that you have to fight for your time in God’s Word- which is the source of our strength and peace. Maybe your hurt has gotten the best of you and you just feel like you can’t fight any more. Your heart begs God to hear your request for change and peace is nowhere to be found.

The shortest route of discovery to peace from God- His peace- is found in the map of His Word. This treasure of peace is marked boldly- you can’t miss it.
The key to peace is not in understanding it.
The key to peace is in trusting God’s love not only for salvation, but for life on earth.

Peace on earth, good will to men.