I Promise You: True Peace is Possible

I know that true peace from the true peace that was modeled for me by my "peace-filled" mom. Tough times didn’t overtake her peace. It almost seemed she was in a bubble of peace that no-one or no-thing could pop that bubble. I’m so grateful she modeled that peace for me, because that’s the peace I abide in, cultivate daily, and am adamant about living in that peace. I am so passionate about living in that peace that I titled my daily blog: MyPeaceZone.com

My children and grandchildren are aware of my absolute insistence on that peace. They’ll see me remove myself from atmospheres not conducive to peace. Sounds a little over-the-top, doesn’t it? Especially when we’re supposed to be peacemakers in controversy or disagreements. I’ve come to realize that often being a “peacemaker” is more about silence than speaking. Jesus set a good example of that “walk-away” when He was persecuted, spoken negatively about, or when others were antagonizing Him.

Life was hard for my mom as our only breadwinner, caring for my very sick daddy and me. She lived in those times and so did I, as a child, and later in dealing with and overcoming life struggles and caring for my very sick husband. Life can be really hard for all of us. Sometimes it’s easy to despair over finding peace when trouble seems to lurk around every corner. When hard times come, the easiest thing to do is allow our many emotions to rule our hearts and mind. Peace seems to be the emotion we sense the least when life turns topsy-turvy. But that sure isn’t God’s plan. He gave us the answer to those emotional highs and lows and days that are anything but peaceful. He gave us the rock-solid PEACE possibility right in the midst of the most tumultuous storms.

Peace is His perfect will for us. That peace is a state of quiet or tranquility in the middle of anxious thoughts, emotions and trials. This kind of peace that God gives….remains. It’s not something that comes and goes depending on our circumstances. Since God gives it, that divine peace should be governing our lives in all things at all times. When the things of life start to throw us into a state of anxiety and tummy jitters – you know -- that stack of bills, the washing machine breaks down, relationship disappointment, that speech we must deliver to a large crowd or anxious feelings of inadequacy -- we can still find peace.

Here’s the good news: We can have that kind of peace. Jesus told His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). Sounds like a command to me! The peace Christ gives is fully satisfying. It’s peace of mind, heart, body and soul. It’s contentment knowing that no matter what happens, we are in the care of the Almighty. The outcome will be His plan for our good.

In times of doubt and fear, let peace rule. Resting in God’s promises gives us the hope we need to stay focused on Him and His faithfulness, instead of on our circumstances. One way we can be certain that we’ve really placed our trust in God is when we experience an indescribable peace. I know that peace and it’s my absolute requirement for where I go, who I hang out with, and what decisions I am trying to make. No peace – no God. Know peace – know God! Perfect peace.

This is one of my mainstay scriptures. I urge you to join me in “My Peace Zone”. It is such a blessed and sweet place to be. Demand it. Refuse other options. "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!" (Isaiah 26:3)

Less is More

It's hammer down mode around here. The "hammer down" I'm referring to is that vigorous, strenuous effort to get a job or task done. That's the mode someone goes into just before they're going on vacation. In my case, it's getting all packed up for movers to load up and head to Texas. Whew! I did so well in my move from Sapulpa to Tulsa four years ago. I purged and even had an estate sale to get rid of all that excess "stuff", but here I am, just a short four years later, with thinking "How did I acquire so much "stuff" again?

I heard such a timely message regarding "Less is More" living. I should have heard it two weeks before I started doing all this packing because I would have purged even more. But I'm not too late to apply the less-is-more concept to what's left. And, at the other end, make adjustments there, too.

And the "Less is More" living, is also applied to all the responsibilities we take on even when we have the opportunity to say "No", but we don't. We say "yes" without considering how many hours that yes will take us from family and friends and spending time with God.

Here's the less-is-more scripture: "Better one handful with tranquility, than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind." Ecclesiastes 4:6. I had never read that scripture and realized just what it meant until I heard this message over the weekend. Imagine a big bowl of jelly beans. Get one handful of jelly beans and then get another handful of jelly beans. Now shake hands with someone or pat someone on the back or give someone a helping hand. You can't, because your hands are full. That's why that scripture says "Better one handful with tranquility (or peace)." With two hands full, it's easy to become stressed and worried. The picture is someone that has taken on way too many responsibilities -- so many, that they don't have time for their family. In that case, again, "Better one handful with tranquility..." Less really is more when it comes to not striving for that extra "stuff" that encumbers our time, our emotions, and our freedom to give more.

I'm ready to re-evaluate my time, my commitments, my desires, and my "stuff" -- one handful will be plenty. I want that freedom to lift a brother or sister up, to put my arm around someone and encourage them, to reach my hand into my purse to pull out some cash for that one who is hungry, to hold someone's hand that is hurting, to touch a fevered brow and pray for God's healing.

Yes, it's "hammer down" to get 'er done.....but when that hammer is put away at the end of the day, I intend to have open hands and an open heart to love more, give more, share more and lift more.