One Word is PEACE

In recent weeks I’ve struggled with what seems to be writer’s block- finding it hard to finish this post that I started over a month ago. At the time, I planned to continue my journey with GetOneWord, and the word I had chosen was PEACE. It seemed fitting on that day because here in the South, we found ourselves in an unusual weather pattern of torrential rain and storms. It’s a pattern that has continued, making those of us who are normally spoiled by pleasant weather longing for sunny skies and calmer air.

As I tried to reset my perspective that day, I turned on the TV as a distraction but was reminded of the conflict and chaos in the world instead .

I got busy with the tasks and chores on my to-do list but quickly realized the turmoil within- as soon as one thing is accomplished, another appears in its place. Time is precious and short, leaving me conflicted over how to use it wisely, pursuing God’s call all the while keeping up with the stuff of daily living like groceries and chores.

I grabbed my phone but found myself grieving for a high school classmate who lost a sudden and fast battle with pancreatic cancer, and my heart broke for her family dealing with an unexpected storm that blew in, uprooted their family, and left them in an unrecognizable place.

Much like the tornados did to sleeping residents in Nashville last week.

It seemed the more I sought PEACE that day, the further and further it slipped from my grasp-

Because I was looking for PEACE in all the wrong places– circumstances, people, things, control, the absence of storm . . .

God reminded me of the truths I had learned in a Bible study I completed before Christmas, Advent- The Weary World Rejoices, focusing on God’s gift of PEACE to me through his Son Jesus-

Jesus brought peace to this world when He came as the way for weary souls to be
right with God.

In Jesus there is peace in difficult circumstances.

His gift to me is peace.

 

Today, as I seek to finish these words about PEACE, the need in the world seems only to have increased.

The COVID-19 virus has picked up speed on its course around the globe, and the news is full of the alarming highlights of fear and panic that precede its arrival, of the inconvenience of self-isolation that accompanies it, and at times, of the sorrow and death that it leaves in its wake.

Vacations and times of peace-filled leisure are derailed, the stock market reaction is stealing sleep from many, the election cycle and debate is now on hyper-partisan steroids, and of all things, toilet paper is getting harder and harder to find as Americans respond to the unknown with fear and panic.

Praise God for his still small voice reminding me of his gift of PEACE even in and through the storms of life.

I’ll close today with some things He has brought to mind-

• He knows the way I take. (Job 23:10)
• God is my help and keeper. (Psalm 121)
• He keeps me in perfect peace as I keep my mind on Him. (Isaiah 26:3)
• He is present, holding my hand through this day and ones to come. (Isaiah 41:10-14)
• He knows what I need, and I can trust Him- He’s got this! (Matthew 6:25-33)
• He has given me love, power, and a sound mind (self-control) for living life in this world. (2 Timothy 1:7)
• He invites me to pray about everything and to be thankful. (Philippians 4:6-7)

This morning, I’m reminding myself and reminding you-

To do as Paul instructs us in Philippians 4:8-9. I’m redirecting my heart and my mind to what I have learned, and I’m practicing what I know. It’s what Mary Kassian calls PREPLANTing in her study, Conversation Peace.

I am putting my mind today on what is-

 

Pure
Right
Excellent
Praiseworthy
Lovely
Admirable
Noble
True

 

 

And the God of PEACE will be with me-

And you . . . because-

The One who has promised is faithful! (Hebrews 10:23)

Let’s encounter our uncertain world today, trusting Him and rejoicing in Him, in and through whatever circumstances threaten our PEACE!