Peace, Peace, Wonderful Peace
I saw a post last night on Facebook that was very disturbing to me involving someone who took their own life. I have experienced first hand losing a very dear friend to suicide, so it is not a new concept for me. But this individual was one that I had a hard time understanding the purpose. See, they were in ministry. I asked my husband why did this happen? His answer was one of sound thought and reflected an insight of the possible circumstances of this individuals personal life and struggles that we will never know. I have attributed many lives lost to this type of final end to a strong loss of hope and peace. Peace, true peace, is very hard to understand. In the light of trials, troubles, and despair, peace can seem unattainable. But I have learned to look for peace in the world is an impossibility. Peace that is necessary to attain the ability to face the aforementioned issues can only come from above. So how do we really attain it?
I truly believe that the peace of God is what keeps us in a place of being able to deal with this life and all it hands to us (either by our own doing or by attacks of the enemy). I have been dealing with this subject of peace for the last year. Let me back up a little bit. I have always been a worrier. It is a common thread in my family. However, mine was catapulted to an extreme level about 12 years ago due to a medical issue that manifested a diagnosis of obsessive compulsive disorder. It was brought on by a medication that shot my serotonin levels to a dangerous and almost deadly level. But since that time, God has done a miraculous work through it to bring me to a new understanding of HIS peace. Since that time, my family and I have faced many trials and tribulations that just seemed too hard to overcome. Church drama, hurts, emotional struggles, physical illness, and even financial loss, are only a few of the battles we have faced. In the last year and a half alone has brought many challenges involving my health anxieties and new health issues. However, heavenly provision has been made with just the right doctor and her caring spirit as well as God's hand of protection. Now understand that this has not been an instant healing or revelation, remember, I said 12 years! See sometimes God doesn't always work in the instant we desire or even in the weeks or months. Sometimes it's years!!! But not to get off track, PEACE.... Through these journeys and in the last year, God has brought me through a journey of finding the meaning of HIS true peace. The peace ONLY GOD gives. John 14:27 describes it this way, I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. The peace I give is a gift the world cannot give, so don't be troubled or afraid". (NLT)
I can't create my own peace, it can't come from anything or anyone and last. Only true trust and faith in God and His peace brings that contentment. Even in the times that things hit over and over and seem to be in a never ending line, I have learned that worrying or fear is not going to solve anything or make God work any faster. However, having that trust and faith that NO MATTER WHAT, GOD HAS CONTROL AND WILL BRING ME THROUGH THE OTHER SIDE, brings that peace. Even though it may waiver sometimes, I still am able to feel the peace that passes ALL understanding. Even through OCD and anxiety, I will trust that the Peace of God is there and all I have to do is ask and thank Him for it. Then it comes in like a flood. I am grateful for the healing and mercy of God. I am learning about mercy too, but that is for another time.
Here is a song that I often think of when thinking about the Peace that my Father gives.....
It was such a lovely day
and the sun was shining bright
A gentle breeze was blowin' my way
Not a storm cloud in sight
Then suddenly without a warning
A storm surrounded my life
But even in the storm,
I can feel the calm
And here's the reason why
I know the Peacespeaker
I know Him by name
I know the Peacespeaker
He controls the winds and waves
When He says, "Peace, be still"
They have to obey
I'm glad I know the Peacespeaker
Yes, I know Him by name
There's never been another man
with the power of this friend
By simply saying, "Peace, be still"
He can calm the strongest wind
So now I'll never worry
when storm clouds come my way
I know that He is near
to drive away my fear
And I can smile and say
I know the Peacespeaker
I know Him by name
I know the Peacespeaker
He controls the winds and waves
When He says, "Peace, be still"
They have to obey
I'm glad I know the Peacespeaker
Yes, I know Him by name
Peace, peace wonderful peace
Coming down from the Father above
When he says, "Peace, be still"
They have to obey
I'm glad I know the Peacespeaker
Yes, I know Him by name
I'm glad I know the Peacespeaker
Yes, I know Him by name
I truly believe that the peace of God is what keeps us in a place of being able to deal with this life and all it hands to us (either by our own doing or by attacks of the enemy). I have been dealing with this subject of peace for the last year. Let me back up a little bit. I have always been a worrier. It is a common thread in my family. However, mine was catapulted to an extreme level about 12 years ago due to a medical issue that manifested a diagnosis of obsessive compulsive disorder. It was brought on by a medication that shot my serotonin levels to a dangerous and almost deadly level. But since that time, God has done a miraculous work through it to bring me to a new understanding of HIS peace. Since that time, my family and I have faced many trials and tribulations that just seemed too hard to overcome. Church drama, hurts, emotional struggles, physical illness, and even financial loss, are only a few of the battles we have faced. In the last year and a half alone has brought many challenges involving my health anxieties and new health issues. However, heavenly provision has been made with just the right doctor and her caring spirit as well as God's hand of protection. Now understand that this has not been an instant healing or revelation, remember, I said 12 years! See sometimes God doesn't always work in the instant we desire or even in the weeks or months. Sometimes it's years!!! But not to get off track, PEACE.... Through these journeys and in the last year, God has brought me through a journey of finding the meaning of HIS true peace. The peace ONLY GOD gives. John 14:27 describes it this way, I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. The peace I give is a gift the world cannot give, so don't be troubled or afraid". (NLT)
I can't create my own peace, it can't come from anything or anyone and last. Only true trust and faith in God and His peace brings that contentment. Even in the times that things hit over and over and seem to be in a never ending line, I have learned that worrying or fear is not going to solve anything or make God work any faster. However, having that trust and faith that NO MATTER WHAT, GOD HAS CONTROL AND WILL BRING ME THROUGH THE OTHER SIDE, brings that peace. Even though it may waiver sometimes, I still am able to feel the peace that passes ALL understanding. Even through OCD and anxiety, I will trust that the Peace of God is there and all I have to do is ask and thank Him for it. Then it comes in like a flood. I am grateful for the healing and mercy of God. I am learning about mercy too, but that is for another time.
Here is a song that I often think of when thinking about the Peace that my Father gives.....
It was such a lovely day
and the sun was shining bright
A gentle breeze was blowin' my way
Not a storm cloud in sight
Then suddenly without a warning
A storm surrounded my life
But even in the storm,
I can feel the calm
And here's the reason why
I know the Peacespeaker
I know Him by name
I know the Peacespeaker
He controls the winds and waves
When He says, "Peace, be still"
They have to obey
I'm glad I know the Peacespeaker
Yes, I know Him by name
There's never been another man
with the power of this friend
By simply saying, "Peace, be still"
He can calm the strongest wind
So now I'll never worry
when storm clouds come my way
I know that He is near
to drive away my fear
And I can smile and say
I know the Peacespeaker
I know Him by name
I know the Peacespeaker
He controls the winds and waves
When He says, "Peace, be still"
They have to obey
I'm glad I know the Peacespeaker
Yes, I know Him by name
Peace, peace wonderful peace
Coming down from the Father above
When he says, "Peace, be still"
They have to obey
I'm glad I know the Peacespeaker
Yes, I know Him by name
I'm glad I know the Peacespeaker
Yes, I know Him by name