Ever get that frustrating feeling that peace is just outside of your grasp because one crazy, weird, messed-up situation after another comes your way and there never seems to be a lengthy period of clear skies above you?
Okay, here’s the next essential question: Can you think of the last time when youdid feel peace?
My guess is there were still plenty of potentially challenging situations going on in your life yet there was a moment, a span of time, when the presence of Jesus overtook you (whether you were aware of His presence or not). Your heart was awake in that instant to appreciate a dear friendship, to gaze in wonder at a gorgeous sunset, to reflect upon just how blessed your life truly is.
In our not-so-peaceful moments, it seems that we’ll never get caught up and we believe our happiness depends upon doing so. Life is passing us by.
In our full-of-peace moments, we realize that checking more things off our to-do list is not the adventure for which we’ve enlisted and that our happiness is directly tied to what we did sign up for—closeness with Jesus! In these moments, we enjoy life as He intended.
The word for peace in the Hebrew language is SHALOM. Shalom is a gift that’s already been given, a package that’s already been delivered. Jesus paid for it and it’s yours to enjoy. Rather than read a dry definition of something that is so life-giving, why don’t you take a moment to enjoy it right now as a declaration (out loud!) over yourself. And may I encourage you to say it like you mean it and pause over each phrase to let it capture you.
I am content
I am complete
I am whole
I have health
I am prosperous
I am safe
I am sound
I am at rest
I live in harmony
I live in tranquility
It is well with my soul!
Here is a description of our beautiful Jesus who purchased all of this for us to enjoy every day of our lives:
Hope of all hopes, dream of our dreams,
a child is born, sweet-breathed; a son is given to us: a living gift.
And even now, with tiny features and dewy hair, He is great.
The power of leadership, and the weight of authority, will rest on His shoulders.
His name? His name we’ll know in many ways—
He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Dear Father everlasting, ever-present never-failing,
Master of Wholeness, Prince of Peace.
His leadership will bring such prosperity as you’ve never seen before—
sustainable peace for all time.
This child: God’s promise to David—a throne forever, among us,
to restore sound leadership that cannot be perverted or shaken.
He will ensure justice without fail and absolute equity. Always.
The intense passion of the Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies,
will carry this to completion.
(Isaiah 9:6-7 in The Voice)
Peace is not elusive. Peace is your constant companion and He has a name…Jesus!
Love,
Brent
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