Peace

When I was little, I went to a private school in Dallas. Every tuesday we would have chapel and usually we would sing this song about the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

I remember as a kid always singing that song and when we would go through the list, I would always think of really silly things when it came to the word peace- peace signs, hippies...I mean, come on, I was little. I didn't understand what peace was.
I really don't think I understood what peace was until just a few days ago, and I'm still understanding it.

"Peace I leave with you: my peace I give you. I don not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Jesus says it so plainly in that chapter, not to be afraid, and that he is giving us peace. In the Bible, I don't even KNOW how many times God tells us not to be afraid, and to trust in Him. He's so straightforward about it, and yet it's such a hard concept for me personally to grasp.
I get so caught up in the daily what-iffs and struggles of life, and I have a hard time getting myself to slow down and just find peace in the Lord. And, I"m not proud to admit it, but usually the reason I don't go to God immediately for whatever struggle I have is usually because I don't think that reading my Bible or praying is going to help. It's weird. I get so caught up on the fact that I know I'm going to suffer as a Christian, that I feel like I have to be worried and anxious all the time...

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, submit your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4:6-7
Something I've struggled with lately is letting go of my sin and trusting God to take care of it. I'll recognize my mistakes, which is definitely a blessing, but I don't give it up to God automatically. I'll let it sit with me-I'll let myself feel guilty, or anxious. But that definitely isn't the answer! It's ridiculous for me to think that reading the Bible won't help me with what I"m struggling with- but not only is the Bible the greatest source of help-I mean, hello, it's GODS WORD! But it also offers peace.
When I start to feel anxious or guilty or I feel the weight of my struggles, I have tried to be really persistent about immediately turning to the word, even if, and especially if I feel like turning to God won't be useful. Because after even two minutes of reading God's word, I feel so much peace come over me, peace that the world can't offer!

This doesn't mean that life is going to be easy, or that our troubles will automatically go away. I think it means something even cooler-that when we do face struggles, or we feel like we have no one to turn to..guess what, we've got Jesus!
"I have told you these things so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
And that's the reason we have peace, right there. How many people can say that they have overcome the world, and them actually be speaking truth? I mean, I only know of one guy, and that's our Lord and Savior.

I want to encourage anyone who is reading this, no matter what you're going through right now, to turn to God. This world may seem like it has lots to offer, but it doesn't. The peace the world has to offer is only temporary. The peace God has is everlasting.


"Come to me, all you who are heavy and burdened and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:38