Peace. It feels unobtainable at times, doesn’t it?
We long to see peace in the world. And lately, even in our own
country.
We want peace between each other, and at times we have it. Days
when there is no active tension or quarrels. But, even that can be fleeting.
On a deeply personal level, we want to feel at peace. Peace
within ourselves is a different definition than peace between people and
countries.
Peace—freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. (Merriam-Webster.com)
Peace within means there’s no personal conflict. It means
freedom from worry, negative feelings, emotions out of control, and obsessing
over things we should have done better or differently.
Peace within feels like a sigh of relief.
Relief from the heavy weight we pick up in the morning and carry around until
bedtime. Relief from the heaviness that keeps us tossing and turning all night.
I want that sigh-of-relief-peace, don’t you?
We search for it. Strive for it. And grasp at it. But on our
own, our striving gets us nowhere. Why, when we try so hard, is peace
unattainable?
Because that at-ease, everything-will-be-okay peace doesn’t
come by our own hand. It comes from the One who promised us peace in an
unpeaceful world. {Tweet this}
But when the
Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will
teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of
mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So
don’t be troubled or afraid.
Yes, that peace.
The peace we find when we focus on the One—Jesus—who
promised us peace. The One who always keeps His promises.
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all
whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Fix—to hold or direct steadily; to make firm, stable, or stationary (Merriam-Webster.com)
…all whose thoughts are
fixed on you
Thoughts
held firm, without wavering. Minds focused on Jesus while the world moves
around us.
That’s how we
find peace within…when our eyes are focused, and our thoughts are fixed, on Jesus.
The One who is unshakeable in a constantly shaking world. {Tweet this}
And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all
of our human understanding) will stand
watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One.
God’s peace guarding our hearts and minds. Sigh.
Have a peaceful day!
In Christ,
[Photo credit:
Pixabay.com]
Linking up with: Coffee for Your Heart, Grace Moments,
Writer Wednesday, #HeartEncouragement, Thought Provoking Thursday, #ChasingCommunity, Faith 'n Friends, Grace & Truth, #FreshMarketFriday
Oh yes! Peace is one of my favorite topics and one I must seek when the noise is too loud! Love your post and I pray many seek His peace through your beautiful words here. Visiting from Holley's Link up.
ReplyDeleteThank you,Laura, for sharing this encouraging post on peace. I admit to the attempt in trying to find peace by checking off my boxes on the 'to-do' list, but that is so foolish. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and He claims I don't have to work for it. By coming to Him I receive it freely. Glad to have visited today. xoxo
ReplyDeleteLaura...thank you for the "peace-ful" reminder. At times my mind becomes out-of-focus on the chaos of the world. It is then that, Jesus, takes my face in His hands and turns my face back to Him. I'm visiting from Brenda's link-up:)
ReplyDeleteEyes focused and thoughts fixed. Oh that I could remember that in the moment, sometimes. So thankful it's there, waiting for me to grab hold of it and utilize its power. peace--such a seemingly shy thing, yet so powerful, isn't it? Re-centering and seeking that sigh of relief as we speak. :) Thanks for sharing this insightful reminder with #ChasingCommunity, Laura. ((hug))
ReplyDeleteKeeping my thoughts firmly planted without wavering and my focus on the Lord is what I desire so very much. I ask God to keep me in this place, especially in these times. Thank you, Laura, for this fine reminder.
ReplyDeleteWhat great reminders today Laura! I remember going through hard times and thinking I wanted security when actually what I was looking for was peace. Thank you for bringing us back to where our peace can only be found- in Him. Blessings my friend!
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteA recent conversation with a friend about this striving for peace comes to mind as I read your words and a reminder that striving for peace is always doing it without God. Peace, it is His signature of approval, His guiding light in our day and His obvious covering in all we do. Without it.. I won't step forward. I am so grateful for His peace.
Great post!!
Blessings,
Dawn