27 “Peace…I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” - John 14:27
Peace - (noun) - a state of tranquility or quiet. Freedom from oppressive thoughts or emotions.
Examples Webster gave for each state :
harmony in personal relations,
a state or period of mutual concord between governments,
a state of security or order within a community provide for by law or custom…..Webster Online Dictionary
But how often do these examples not exist in our life?
Often times we seek security in our relationships, finances, or false promises that do not deliver.
How then do we as followers of Christ find and live in peace?
His peace that He freely gave to us? That He died for us to have as heirs in Him?
Look at the beginning of that definition again…
Peace - a state of tranquility or quiet….freedom from oppressive thoughts or emotions
When is the last time you have stopped yourself from all the running and intentionally sat outside, put your bare feet in the grass, felt the wind blow, and sat quietly with Him? Doing our devotionals can be of great encouragement daily, but if we are not careful, it can be another box to check, another thing added to our “lists”. If you are like me, I too often forgo time of sitting still to keep up with my “lists”. Sitting still normally means that I have more time to look over my lists and reorganize.
I found myself fighting myself a lot this week. Fighting to get things done, fighting to be and do everything I had envisioned this week. Fighting to keep all the balls in the air and beating myself up when I crashed into bed at night, exhausted and beaten from the day.
Leading is something I think God has gifted me with. I don’t say that out loud a lot, as I have found myself often questioning Him on this gift, and many times, trying to give it back. So it is a constant battle I wage internally, feeling called to lead, but constantly feeling unqualified for the fight. But, as God always does, He continues to gently (and sometimes swiftly) nudge me back into that position at whatever the capacity He has for me.
I believe we all have areas of our life that God is calling us into leadership. Wether that be one of our greatest callings as a husband/wife or father/mother in our homes or to lead at work, church or even in our friend groups. All of us are required, and expected, to lead in different capacities.
Last night we sat with our a new precious small group. It had been a terribly busy day with Vivian unexpectedly seizing all morning on top of the normal schedule of teaching the children and getting ready for all the therapies of the day.
Eric seeing the need, stayed home to help… that man is carving a path that shakes the doors of hell everyday he steps out of bed. You would never know to speak with him, as he is always so humble, but his ministry at home and through his work, is one to be inspired by.
As we sat in a new small group, I was feeling out of my normal and the day was weighing on me. I had barely had a shower that morning, and by the evening, I have given most of myself to our babies and the daily chores, so there was little left for conversations….
As I watched the Holy Spirit speak into and through each person, I couldn’t help but be so encouraged by Father.
We weren’t created to do this alone….
We weren’t created to carry all of this alone….
Peace Jesus left to us….HIS PEACE… not as the world gives us.
Peace does not come through life being perfect, all of our relationships being great, or if we check off every item on our chore list today….
His peace comes from slowing down, putting down the lists and sitting still long enough to hear Father whisper through His word…teaching about His unwavering love for us..
I had a million things to do today…Eric and I tag team working, educating our babies, and taking care of Drake and Vivian’s needs at home. That means when we leave for work, we have to do three times the amount of work in the time that we have carved out to do it. It is a daunting task that often is like sprinting a marathon each day.
Today, with a million and one items to check off…I found myself longing for space with Him. I drove to the closest park, and sat on a park bench reading His word and allowing Him to fill my empty cup….
....and I was reminded what His peace felt like.
Living a life worthy of the gospel means living a life that you are consistently willing to put down at His feet and allow Him to remind you of His call for your day. To allow Him to remind you of His goodness, and faithfulness, and sufficiency in everything.
We are not meant to do this alone….
He reminded me of that today.
I pray you find time to sit still long enough to be reminded of His love for you. He is never silent…nor is He going to force you.
Don’t miss Him….
27 “Peace…I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” - John 14:27