When you think of peace what images or emotions come to mind? Are you standing on a cliff looking at a sunset? Or with your family on Christmas day? When I think of peace, I think of calm, stillness or quiet. But, what if God’s peace, this peace that surpasses all understanding is not a passive force, but God’s living shield that helps you weather the storm. (Phil. 4:7) Elane O’Rourke wrote, “though peace is associated with an absence of conflict, it is not an absence at all. Rather, peace is the presence of security and hope.”
A few years ago I had the opportunity to go on my first mission trip to Haiti. In the days before the trip was scheduled to leave, Haiti erupted in political riots and the trip was on the edge of being cancelled. My parents called me immediately after hearing the news with questions of, “You’re not going right?” — “Is it even safe?” The fear they were experiencing was completely understandable but I was at peace. I didn’t have answers to their questions and I didn’t know if the trip would be cancelled but God’s peace, that presence of security was with me. We went to Haiti as expected and I’m glad I didn’t let fear of the unknown control me because feeling that type of peace was unforgettable.
Even with experiencing that moment I know that it’s a struggle to keep that type of peace with you all year round especially in December with deadlines looming and events to attend. So, it’s no wonder why we want to have a hold on the steering wheel of our lives. But, how do you experience a peace that promises security and hope in such a “storm”? Well, the answer to that isn’t a simple one.. It’s letting go of editorial control of our lives and allowing God to put up a shield around us. We don’t have to retreat into a quiet room or drive a half a hour to the beach to experience what God promises us each moment of each day. We just ask God to break through as we release our control to him.
Take a moment today, stop and take a breath, make room for God’s peace to take shape in you.
Seek Peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14)
— Christina Barron, Social Media Coordinator
