The peace of Christ does not mean you stop caring; and go around smiling and all happy-go-lucky. But it does mean you can stop rushing and hurrying and trying to fix everything right here and now. His peace calls you to stop and rest. Sometimes we ask for strength to push through something we were meant to rest from. Maybe constantly praying for wisdom and strength means we haven’t really surrendered the situation to God. We still want to control and participate in the outcome in our way of thinking. Or we try to satisfy the urge with some creature comfort that really doesn’t comfort or resolve anything at all. Sometimes, it is more comfortable to jump in and act. Do something! But it takes more courage to step back and let God do what God needs to do. To be obedient to His direction and not your own.
We keep praying for peace and it doesn’t seem to be coming. “I don’t know how much longer I can keep holding my breath… waiting for the sigh expelling the clenched air in my chest; that drop of my tensed up shoulders.”
How long can I withhold praise… waiting for my idea of peace?
Come to Me. You have wearied yourself enough. Rest in Me. I know you don’t see the how or the why. You still need to walk in faith. In Me. The Almighty. It can’t be explained in human terms. Try to remember that God is good. That God is all-wise and all-knowing. Keep telling yourself God is worthy of your trust and you can count on Him. He will deliver. And give thanks that you have this option - to trust and rely on an Almighty God. In the meantime, He offers to give you His Peace that passes all understanding. His Peace is His very Presence. Rock steady and sure. Let this truth settle over you in the most unlikely circumstances. I AM here, He says. I AM here. And I AM the Way. I’m not leaving you. I’m not going anywhere. Please choose Me and you will find rest for your soul.
It might take some quiet time with the Lord. Focus all your attention on Him and not the storm(s). For as long as you are able. And pour out your heart until you are drained and now have plenty of room for Him to fill with the peace you desire. Long for. Need.
“Rise during the night and cry out. Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord. Lift up your hands to him in prayer…” Lamentations 2:19
“O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalms 62:8 NLT
“Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.” Mark 6:31 NLT
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 NLT
