Monday, April 11, 2011

Peace Comes From God

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

-- John 14:27

At the Lutheran churches I've visited, there is a time to greet those seated around you. Lots of churches have that. Except at the Lutheran churches, you smile, shake hands and say, "Peace be with you." Oh, how I want some of that peace.

The dictionary defines peace as being a state of freedom, without war or civil disorder, or a state of harmony between people, the absence of strife. All those things are wonderful but they talk about things of the world, about relationships between people. I want to feel peace within me. I want a settled soul that refuses to doubt, to fear, to worry. That's the peace I want.

I suppose you could use that dictionary definition. I don't want a war within me as to what I should or should not do. I want to walk confidently in God's light, following closely behind Him so that I don't take a wrong turn. I want to feel the freedom that only Christ brings. That is peace to me.

I also don't want to fight with other people. I want everyone to get along and live in harmony with one another. I want to shove my ego and my pride to its dark place and focus instead on the light that comes with loving relationships. I want to see everyone -- including people who don't like me -- through God's eyes. I want to love them like Jesus. There's a peace in that, in not needing anything from them and being okay with it.

The peace I want only comes from God. It is a deep feeling of security in knowing that Jesus paid my way. He took the punishment for my sins. I'm headed home one day to a place full of light and love and beauty that is unimaginable. In the meantime, all this around me is just stuff.

I have no idea the direction the days ahead will take. Or even if there will be days ahead. I only know I want desperately to feel God's peace on this journey. I want to know that I am walking the path He laid out for me. I want the confidence that comes with knowing He's right there with me every step of the way. I want to feel His Presence at all times and remember that I am not alone. There is peace in that. And I want it.