Peace

Lately, the idea of Peace has been on my mind. . . which happens to be what I'm looking for-peace of mind. Not in the way a mother of six who is about to rip her hair out is looking for peace-but at the end of the day, no matter what kind, hectic or not, it seems to be the thing I'm looking for. With getting married, moving far from home, making a new home, starting a new life, and looking for a teaching job that doesn't seem to exist among other things, peace can seem to disguise itself. I perceive it as many things--details falling into place, the apartment being completely organized, me finding fulfillment and productiveness in a job that doesn't simply require me to do the laundry and keep things tidy. Sadly, this perception is a misconception, for none of these things I could so easily check off of my handy "to-do" list will ever bring me peace.
I recently read Psalm 34:14(b)- "Seek Peace & Pursue it." Peace is not something that happens to me or falls from the sky, and it isn't just some feeling that changes day by day. It is something we must pursue. It is something we choose-choosing to view our present circumstances from God's perspective and trust in His goodness, Love, and plan-no matter how secret or confusing that plan may seem in the moment. Peace isn't just happiness, but an inner calm & steadfastness that can only come from the Lord that can withstand the storms or blustery winds of our confusion. One of my campers described peace well while she confessed a deep desire for peace in her own tumultuous heart-she said that when she would look at me it was as if I was totally free, not that I didn't care about my heart, but that it was as if someone else was taking care of it for me. WOW--I wish I could claim that kind of peace and comfort in my Lord's tender care of my heart everyday of my life, but sadly I cannot.
Ultimately though its not just about pursuing, because then we begin right back where we started with pursuing 'things' that will bring us peace (or satisfaction, fulfillment etc.) So often I find myself praying for 'things' (or circumstances, relationships to change etc.) . I'm not supposed to be praying for some "thing," but for someONE, and if I pursue Him, all these "things" will be added unto me. The only place I will ever truly find the peace I so desire is in the face of my heavenly father, and the sooner that idea permanently makes a home in my brain the better off the rest of my days on this earth will be.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you." -Matt. 6:33

God tells us flat out what to be seeking, and I thank Him for giving us His word to guide and to remind, to remind, and remind, and remind, His stubborn forgetful sheep.

I find that the more complicated my life gets the more the Lord simplifies His relationship with me, and simply says "Look unto me, and find salvation."

I love this passage in Isaiah 40-It answers so well that growing sentiment we can find welling up in our hearts when life just doesn't make sense,'- that maybe just maybe God doesn't know EXACTLY what he's doing.

"Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars. The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, Not one of them is missing, Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert O Israel, " My way is hidden from the Lord, and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God"?Do you not know? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable, he gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might he increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not grow faint." (vs. 26-31)


Oswald Chambers once so aptly spoke that "God does not tell you what he is going to do. He reveals to you -Who he is."

If we seek to find who He is. . . we find that He is Peace.