By Hannah Sweet
Peace.
We all strive to find that almost illusive of things, peace. The world never stops moving and as it moves more and more things are thrown into the mix. Sometimes it almost seems as if someone somewhere wants to see just how much we can take before the whole thing collapses, and that isn’t entirely untrue. The Devil will come at us and try to tear down the carefully crafted peace that lives within each of us. It is the one assurance each of us is born in this world with, God’s peace. Think on John 14:27;
“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.”
The gift, that peace of mind and heart, it didn’t come wrapped in ribbons or bows, but rather in swaddling clothes that night in the manger. God sent his only son to die for us so that we might have peace of mind and heart for all time. I know that it is easy to give in to worry or fear, even the most fearless have been afraid and those who don’t ever seem to worry, worry. You must never let that fear and worry consume you though, for God is always with you and he will never fail you.
When I was a teenager I used to be filled with anxiety and worry, and I would cry about everything at the drop of a hat. Then one day, my mother, who is in my opinion one of the smartest people I have ever met or will ever meet in this life, pulled me into her arms the way only a mother can, and told me a phrase that has gotten me through every stressful or fear-filled situation I can remember. “You can’t worry and trust God.” Her mother said it to her, she says it to me, and someday I will say it to my children. It isn’t a big sentiment but it accentuates the message I think they were trying to get across in John 14:27. God has already given all of us a peaceful mind and heart, we needn’t worry or be afraid, all we need do is to trust in him. If we do then what was written in Isaiah 26:3 will surely come to pass.
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
If you are still having trouble finding that illusive state of peace try and pray this prayer:
Lord, please help ease my anxiety and fear, so that I may find your gift of peace. I know that I cannot worry and trust you, yet Lord I am only human and prone to failure. So you’ll have to forgive me if this doesn’t sink in right away, but I promise to give my fears and anxieties to you, so that I don’t have to shoulder that burden alone, for I am never alone as long as you are with me. Thank you for giving me a peace that carries throughout the whole year long. I know that as long as I keep you in my heart and mind I will never be alone and for that I will always be eternally grateful.
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