Peace

This Christmas came and went so fast I can hardly believe it. We were sure things would be tight this year. (More so than usual anyway.) I am amazed at how the Lord provided for us. We got bonuses from our church, monetary gifts from congregation members, and bills paid off. While praising his name for His abundant provisions He gave me a wonderful reminder that I wanted to share.
As I sat there bathing in this profound sense of peace that truly passed all of "my" understanding I felt the beautiful presence of our Creator. In that moment the Lord spoke to me. He said, "Remember this peace." You know that peace you feel when the bills are paid, the kids are well, the house is clean, there's food in the pantry, there are no problems at work, your relationship with God is hot and on fire, and life in general is good? Everything is calm, there are no storms. Can you picture it? Can you feel it? Now take that feeling and hold on to it, that is the same peace you should feel when the storms of life are all around you and everything seems to be an uphill battle.

When I experience trials it is hard to be mindful of the presence and peace of God. I forget how, "he will never leave me, nor forsake me." God showed me that the next time troubles come I am to "Remember this peace." His peace is there when we are struggling to pay bills, or when children are sick. His peace does not leave when I am grieving over the loss of a friend to cancer. Nor does it leave when he places us in ministries that are tougher than I think I can handle. His peace is there when praying for a family member who does not know the presence of God in her life. His peace is one of His attributes. I can know this peace in good times and in bad. It is easier to understand His peace when life seems good. However, it is a much more powerful witness when we tenaciously take hold of that beautiful gift when life is anything but peaceful. God is in control of my life and my circumstances. I may not be perfect but I know the one who is.