Peace

Let’s talk “peace” shall we?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “peace” as “a state of tranquility or quiet.” Other definitions I found in relationship to peace:
– “Freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions”
– “Harmony in personal relations”

Hey. Who out there would object to a healthy dose of “tranquility and quiet” in their schedule today? Anyone? Someone, please show me the comfy chair of “freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions” as well as the home where “harmony in personal relations” resides 24/7.

Here’s the problem. Tranquility and quiet don’t come easy. Don’t believe me? Take a look at the screen on your cell phone. How many notifications are staring you down right now? Though freedom from oppressive thoughts sounds great, Satan is an attacker of identity and, all too often, that voice attacks the heart and mind and reminds us of our failures, our shortcomings, our inadequacies. And though harmony in our personal relationships and at home sounds great, the truth is that at times, it’s anything but serene. Relationships can get heated, feelings can be hurt, our homes can get tense, and calm can seem distant and unattainable.

Maybe you’re experiencing some or all of this today. Hold on, friends. There’s good news. Look at what the Apostle Paul says in Romans 5:

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)

Paul knew a little something about adversity. He knew something about having a past. But in Romans 5, Paul speaks into a truth that’s much sweeter than adversity, much richer than past mistakes, past sins and present failures. He speaks into the peace that comes when we realize our identity is in Jesus Christ. Don’t miss this. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Greater than our trials, greater than our unrest, is the peace that comes in the grace made available to us all through what Jesus did on the cross.

What I continue to find in my relationship with the Lord is that – just as Jesus was able to calm the wind and the waves in the gospels – He is just as able to calm the same storms in our own lives. We just need to allow Him to speak into the doubt and unrest surrounding us. And then? Lean into the winds of grace and peace that come when we let the Holy Spirit do what the Holy Spirit does: breathe peace amidst the storms.

Find peace amidst your day ahead. God’s ready to give it to you. Promise.