April 19, 2019

Facing the Unknown

“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” – John 14:27

She is afraid. Anyone would be. Health issues abound and the doctors, so far, haven’t been able to determine the cause. I pray for peace to fill her heart as she waits for answers and healing.

Many of us know that fear that comes with the unknown. We are powerless, alone, afraid. There are some journeys that are solitary, where your only companion is Jesus. He is enough.

Have you cried out in pain? Have you clung to the cross, knowing that it was and is the only certainty in your life? Have you let His Spirit fill those raw places with a peace that knows no bounds?

Life can sometimes be a terrifying journey but Jesus didn’t leave us as orphans to face the hard times alone. Reach out and take His hand. He’s right there beside you.

December 8, 2018

Peace

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Have you ever wondered why peace is one of the candles we light during advent? It was a question our pastor asked during study on Wednesday night.

Jesus’ ministry was anything but peaceful. He turned the order of things upside down and caused a great deal of uproar. And that’s without mentioning how He healed the sick and the lame, fed thousands with almost no food and, yes, raised the dead to life. No. There was nothing peaceful about Jesus’ life.

The peace Jesus referred to wasn’t about political peace. It was about inner peace. Jesus is how we find true peace.

Pastor Ryan Martin said that Jesus exposed false images of peace. We compromise so many times to “keep the peace.” He’s right. We let things go, we turn away, we mind our own business. And what is the cost? Our integrity, our witness, our church, and our family.

Jesus didn’t come to overthrow rulers, Martin said. He came to throw us off the throne of our own hearts so that Jesus can take up residence there. Peace starts with us – with changed lives. It comes when we put Jesus first.

Think about it for a minute. The spread of the early church came when Jesus’ followers put Him first. They didn’t care what happened to them. Their only purpose was to spread the Gospel to as many people as possible and to live fully in His light.

Contrast that with today’s world. We love Jesus. We do. But we aren’t willing to sacrifice for Him. We don’t want to face ridicule, imprisonment, suffering, to prove we belong to Him. We don’t want to sacrifice and be uncomfortable because we love Him. He understands, we tell ourselves. But do we?

When we put Jesus first, peace comes into our hearts and, then, spreads throughout the world. Have you ever watched someone with deep faith ride out a storm? There’s a peace about them, a deep certainty that no matter what happens they rest in Jesus’ embrace. That’s the peace Jesus came to give to us.

We were at war with God. As sinners, we can’t be around God. We were doomed. Jesus came as the perfect sacrifice so that all who believe can be reconciled to God. We can be at peace with God because of Jesus.

But we have a choice. We can continue the war, both inside of ourselves and with God, or we can let Jesus fill us with His peace. We can fight alone, trying to control what can’t be controlled, seeking things that will never satisfy us, or we can rest in Jesus and be filled with Him.

In this season of Advent, we can reflect on what it means to give ourselves over to Jesus. We can watch and wait for the coming Christ child. We can remember what God did for us, how much He suffered, because of the deep love He has for all of us.

A baby came to one day give us life. That is our peace.

April 4, 2018

Peace In The Midst of Turmoil

I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. – Psalm 16:8

Life has a way of getting out of control rather quickly, doesn’t it? One minute it seems that we’re in control, everything is going our way, then it all seems to fall apart without even a moment of warning.

A sweet friend wrecked her almost new car. Another friend did everything right but that didn’t stop the cancer diagnosis. Someone else faces another surgery because of infection. There’s a new group of people losing their jobs because of a store closing. Life, as they say, happens.

There is the co-worker who took credit for our idea. There’s the family member lashing out in jealousy. The spouse who has been unfaithful. The child who uses drugs, is being bullied at school or both. There’s the neighbor who is too loud or the fellow church member who wants to monopolize our time. We are overwhelmed.

It’s easy to get caught up in the drama, isn’t it? We can’t see a way out and panic fills us up in that deep place inside. We say all the right things. We smile as others try to encourage us. We pray frantically for a solution. And we worry like it all depends on us.

It’s so very easy to lose sight of Jesus. Our eyes dart from one issue to another. We race to keep up with all the demands. We cry out to God as we frantically race from one catastrophe to the next. What are we supposed to do with all these things, these chores, these people, on our plates?

Give it to Jesus. That sounds easy, doesn’t it? Just hand it over and walk away. Except we don’t do that. We say we’re handing it over, and maybe we do for a short time, then we take it back again. Deep inside we just don’t trust God to take care of it all. We don’t trust Him to do things the way we think they need to be done. We aren’t really sure He’s dependable and that He’ll take care of us like He promised.

We get overwhelmed when we move our eyes from Jesus to the world around us. We become frantic when we believe deep in our hearts that it all depends on us. We may say He’ll take care of it, but our hearts don’t really believe it’s true. Our panic gives witness to that.

Years ago I learned the secret to combatting those terrors that come in the quiet of the night. You know what I’m talking about. They’re the fears that keep you awake, the mind that won’t stop worrying about situations and people. Do you want to know my secret? Reading the Bible. It doesn’t seem to matter what passage or verse. It’s about seeking Him above all else. It’s about quieting your mind with His Word.

There’s a saying that I see sometimes on Facebook. It says that sometimes God quiets the storm and sometimes He quiets His child. I’m not sure who first said it but it sure is true. Do you want to know God’s peace? Seek Him out. Do you want to believe when you can’t see the way? Ask Him to strengthen your faith.

A sweet friend told me recently that she admired my strength. I had to laugh at that. I’m not strong at all. At least, I don’t feel that way. But I trust in Jesus. I believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I rest in His love, even when I can’t feel it. I trust in His truth, even when the way seems dark and I am afraid.

I cling to His promises, keeping my eyes fixed on the One with all the answers. It’s a struggle sometimes but that is where my strength and my peace come from. Somehow life doesn’t seem so hard when my focus is the God who created the universe. He can do anything. And He loves me. On hard days that’s really all I need to know.

March 16, 2016

Peace From God

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. -- Colossians 3:15-17

Yesterday someone asked me where I get my peace from. I was a bit taken aback. I don’t consider myself to be a peaceful person at all. I am a bit high-strung under the best of circumstances and this last year has been anything but.

I considered his words. He was serious so that deserved a serious answer. It’s my faith. It runs deep and sure. So when life is full of turmoil and assault I can rest in God’s arms and know that no matter what anyone else says I am loved and cherished and worthwhile.

I didn’t just wake up one day in this place. This journey began under fire and continued year after year. I have failed God so many times. I have moved away from Him. I have drawn closer to Him. I belong to Him. My life is His to use as He will. Sometimes that is a hard thing.

We want to think that as believers God won’t allow anything truly bad to happen in our lives. That’s just not so. As believers, we are under attack from a powerful enemy. Sometimes God allows horrible things to happen so that we can learn and grow. Sometimes He allows it so that others can learn and grow. And all of it is to bring Him glory.

I also have found the value of surrounding myself with believers who live their faith. I’m not talking about people who show up sometimes on Sunday and then go their own way. I do know plenty of those but they aren’t the ones who will by your side in the storm.

No, I have friends who are more family than anyone related to me by blood. They are the ones who will show up, listen, sit with me, cry with me. They are the ones who drive to another town in the middle of the night to sit with me in the ICU waiting room. They are the ones who let me sob when life overwhelms me. And they are the ones who pray with me and remind me of God’s love when He seems so distant and I feel so alone.

I’m not sure what peace really is. Perhaps it is confidence that I am never alone, that God hears my cries and that His strength will carry me through any storm. It is a faith refined by fire so hot I thought I would surely die. But I’m still here. And so is He.

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.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

He Is There

What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.

-- Job 3:25-26

Tension fills my body. I struggle for normal but normal is no more. Maybe if I try harder, I can fake it for just a little while longer. No. The phone keeps ringing. I'm juggling many tasks and I have never felt less in control.

It was never supposed to be this way. He is the healthy one. The one I depend on. No more. Now I bear the weight of decisions. Now I make the calming comments, reigning in the hysteria that surrounds me. There is no need to panic. It is what it is. God will carry us through this storm. All these things I know.

I long for God's peace. I know in my heart that He is in control. I know He has a plan. But I don't know that plan. I don't know what the day will bring. I don't know much of anything and it scares me. I take a deep breath, longing for His Presence to fill me. My chest tightens as I struggle to repeat scripture over and over in my mind.

I go through the motions of my day. There are cows to count and feed. There are doctors appointments to coordinate. There are phone calls to answer. The geese need corn. The paper must be fetched. The garbage gathered and carted to the road. And so the list goes. Torrential rain pours down. I look in vain for the rainbow of God's promise.

This is what I dreaded most of all when I allowed myself to think ahead. This is the scenerio I could not face. Yet, here I am, facing it because I must. I am not alone. God holds my hand. He's there, strengthing me, whispering words of encouragement in my ear. I can do this, He reminds me. It'll be okay. I'll be okay.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Jesus Offers Peace

"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

The Lutheran Church, like many others, has a greet-those-around-you time shortly after the service begins. Except they don't use the common "How are you?" or "Good to see you" comments. Instead, everyone says "Peace be with you." It was a little strange to me at first, but I really like it. Those four simple words are packed with meaning.

We've all had times when we sure could use a little peace. You're waiting on medical test results and it could be cancer. Your job is being eliminated and you don't know how you'll ever get another one. You had a fight with your spouse and the anger is eating you up inside. The list goes on and on. Life is rarely an easy journey. It's filled with peaks and valleys and lots of green and brown patches in between. Sometimes it just gets to be too much.

Peace. That's what Jesus promised.  He told us He would be a safe haven from the stress and worry and struggles of this world. He didn't promise to take those things away but rather to be our refuge along that journey. We are given His strength -- His peace -- to weather whatever storm comes along. We are never alone.

"Do not be afraid," Jesus said. We belong to Him. That's the one sure thing amidst all this stuff that swirls around us. We bear His mark. "Do not let your hearts be troubled." He is there. Always. Close your eyes and feel His peace wash over you. You are safe in His arms.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Be Kind All The Time

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." -- Colossians 3:15

I heard someone comment the other day about how much nicer people are this time of year. It seems that the spirit of Christmas makes people smile more often. People seem to say "please" and "thank you" on a regular basis. They let you cut in line in front of them ... well, maybe not that nice.

It's sad, though, don't you think? We have to wait until Christmas to be nice. Maybe we're just better at faking it this time of year. We keep hearing about Jesus lying in the manger because there was no room for his folks at the inn. So we want to extend Christian charity. We want to help people and be kind to people. We overlook things. We hold our tongues. We speak nice words of encouragement and gratitude.

But shouldn't we be doing that all year long? We get so caught up in the stresses of daily life that we forget to live like Jesus all the time. We get upset about things that really don't matter anyway. Not in the long run. Not when we look at them in context -- everything here is temporary. People matter so much more than things ever could.

So take time to take a deep breath and be nice to someone who cuts in line in front of you. Smile when you don't feel like it. Use your manners and say "please," "thank you," and "excuse me" on a regular basis. Give to charities as God directs you. Greet people you don't know. Make strangers at your church feel welcome by engaging them in a conversation that goes beyond a handshake and "hello." Take a few minutes to spend time with an elderly person who is all alone. Reach out to others even when you don't feel that you have the time.

We weren't called to be nice just a few weeks out of the year. As Christians, we are called to be kind and generous all the time. We are to show others that Jesus lives within us. It's amazing how that works. The more kindness and compassion we show to others, the more peace we feel inside ourselves. And the more we want to reach out to still more people.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Peace Comes From God

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." -- Colossians 3:15

I crave peace in my life. I want everyone to get along. I don't want any drama. I'd just really like things to go smoothly for a while. I know. I'm a dreamer. I also know that life rarely works out the way I'd like.

Some days are worse than others. Someone wants to pick a fight. Someone else is determined to say no to everything I suggest. I bite my tongue -- again and again. Know what I'm talking about? We've all been there from time to time.

What I'm learning -- slowly -- is that I can choose to step away. Even as I try to cope, I can focus my mind on God's Word. I pray franticlly. I silently beg God to enter the situation and calm me and everyone else. He does. Always. God never ignores a child crying out to Him for help.

My life probably will never be peaceful. Drama seems to be the rule. But I can work on myself and how I handle it. I can't control what other people do but I can -- with God's help -- learn to focus my energies away from jumping into the fray. I can step back and just let God handle it.
 
Hey, wait a minute. There's my peace. Just turn it over to God. So simple. I don't even have to know all the answers. I don't have to be able to be everything for everyone. I can do what God tells me to do and let it go. He'll handle the rest. It feels pretty good. My Heavenly Father can handle anything. I feel so peaceful. Imagine that.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Fight For Jesus

"Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division." -- Luke 12:51

"Do not suppose that I come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." -- Matthew 10:34

Well, yes, actually I did. Until Pastor Bob pointed this out a couple of weeks ago. Talk about shattered illusions. All this time I've thought "Prince of Peace." How many times have I read these passages and just kind of glossed over the truth of Jesus' words. No wonder I get confused. I'm trying to mesh what I think I know with what the Bible actually says. And sometimes the two just don't jive.

This peace Jesus is talking about is different from the peace we feel inside when Jesus lives within us. That peace allows us to handle anything that comes our way because He strengthens us. It is defined in the dictionary as a quiet calm. Think peace of mind.

In these passages, Jesus refers to peace among people who believe and those who don't. That includes family members, neighbors and co-workers. You know. The people you want to get along with because you see them most days. Except there's no room for compromise when it comes to Jesus. Either you believe or you don't. Either you accept His gift of salvation or you don't. It's not rocket science but it is an either/or thing.

It's what Beth Moore refers to as a "spine issue." It's the John 3:16 of christianity. Most of us who call ourselves Christians can agree on that. It's all the little details that really don't matter when it comes to who's in and who's out in the kingdom that we get all upset about. Like how someone is baptized or whether you've got to publicly confess your sins or keep it between you and God. Some swear the Bible says women should never teach men in church while others say that's not what Paul meant at all.A few conservative denominations say no one should drink alcohol, even though that's not even in the Bible and is merely their interpretation. I could go on and on. The point is none of those issues matter in the end. God looks to our hearts to see if we have truly accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.

The thing is we get so caught up in bickering among ourselves that we aren't paying attention when others -- those who don't accept Jesus as the One and Only -- try to force their views on us. As Christians, we want to get along with everyone. It's that whole love thing. We want to do good to our enemies. We want to be reasonable and rationalize the thoughts and actions of those who disagree with us. But we can't stay silent when it comes to Jesus. We can't let unbelievers take over without giving God's voice a loud opportunity to reach those who haven't heard the Good News. We can't allow ourselves to settle into peace when we need to fight for Jesus.

Silence is no longer an option. Our world is being inundated with the views of those who deny Jesus. It's not okay. Sure. People can believe what they want. God gave us free will. But that doesn't mean they have the right to stomp all over Christian views and Christian rights. It doesn't make it okay to pronounce death sentences on Christians or demand that we silence our beliefs while they receive "minority" rights.

Jesus didn't call us to remain peacefully quiet while the world around us caves in to evil forces. This is the only life we'll spend on this earth. We should use it fighting for Jesus. It's the least we can do after all He's done for us.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Seek God on Those Sleepless Nights

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." -- Psalm 4:8

A friend of mine confessed one day that this is her favorite passage in all the Bible. She repeats it to herself on those black nights where sleep will not come. She is a widow of many years. Her days are filled with children and grandchildren, volunteer activities and church. She is quick to laugh and gracious with her hugs. But in the night, when she is alone except for her dogs, is when she feels the aloneness of widowhood the most.

This Bible passage reminds her that God is with us always. In the stillness, He is there. In the turmoil, He is there.

Another woman I know once lamented the sleepless hours she spent worrying about adult children. I asked this Christian lady if she ever rose from her bed and sought God. Did she pray on those nights she couldn't sleep? Did she read scripture? Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. I don't think it had ever occurred to her to do either or both of those things. She covered it well, lashing out at me. How could I understand when I never had children?

She's right. I don't understand. Her adult children are her points of worry. Mine are something else entirely. Yours are likely something else. We all have our issues that keep us up at night. The question is not whether they occur, because they do happen to all of us. The question is what we do about it. Do we fret for hours or do we turn to the One who can actually help? The One who will understand? The One who can either fix our problems or give us peace within the storm?

We have a choice. We can embrace our worries or we can do something about them. As for me, I'd much rather sleep in peace with God.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Peace Comes With Asking

"The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 4:7

Sometimes the frantic pace of life gets to be a little much. I know others must look at me and wonder what in the world I'm talking about. My life seems simple. Isn't that true for everyone? We always think everyone else has it easier or somehow has more hours in their day. Not so.

Small demands add up. Juggling jobs and businesses in a never-ending marathon to earn a living takes time and energy. People want pieces of each day. Most of the time I'm happy to share my time with family and friends. I'm grateful for every job I receive, whether it's painting another piece of furniture or heading off to anywhere to get someone the perfect Toyota for them.

When the demands seem to overwhelm me, I turn to God. And when it's a good day, I do this before I lash out in frustration. This verse is one that I keep in my mind and use frequently. I repeat it over and over as I seek His peace. I want my heart and my mind to be filled with His thoughts and His desires. I will my tongue to silence and breath deeply. His peace fills me. Once again I am grateful for the day and the demands that only bring good tidings.

Tuesday, January 19. 2010

Rest in God's Word

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." -- Psalm 62:1-2

I'll probably never understand why some people can't seem to find time for God. They don't read the Bible because they "don't have time." They don't attend church because they "don't have time." They don't take Bible studies because they "don't have time."

I don't I could face the day without spending time with Him. I learn so much. I gain guidance and strength. I wish everyone would just try it. That's the thing about God -- He'll meet you anywhere, at any time. He's always available. Always ready to listen. Always on your side.

I've come to cherrish the time I spend with Him. It's peaceful. I pray. I listen. It took me a long time to learn how to listen for His voice. I'm not always sure I've got it right. That's okay too. I just know that so long as I hold onto Him, so long as I stay focused on His will and His Word, I'll be okay. He has placed me on His rock. I am safe there. It is where I find peace.

A Straight Path

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

I used to be someone who always needed to know where the road was going and how much time I needed to get there. I wanted to plan and prepare myself mentally and, sometimes, physically for any challenges or changes that came my way.

I'm learning to let go more and more, at least partly because my life is so out of control. I'm learning that I don't need to know where all this is headed because I know that God knows. He wants what is best for me and will lead me down the right path, even if I don't know it at the time.

It's part of giving control of my life over to Him. I know. He's always been in control. I was just the rebellious child determined to do things my way in my time. That never works. It just took my a while to figure that out.

There's a certain peace in knowing that my path is straight so long as I stay in His light. No matter what happens around me, I know that I will be okay.

Welcome New Day

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

Psalm 143:8

I am so grateful that when the world is whirling around me, leaving me out of breath and unsure of which way to go, there is peace in His presence. I find rest. I find hope as I pray for those who are ill and need healing. I find strength for those who are grieving and need comfort. Thank you Lord for never, ever giving up on me. And for always being there no matter what.

Peace In Trying Circumstances

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillippians 4:6-7

The theme of worry and anxiety runs rampant in my world right now. I am reminded again and again of how little we control about our lives. I am so thankful that God is in control of everything. That He has a plan. That all will be okay.

My uncle is having his third cancer surgery Friday. My friend will have his second cancer surgery in the next week or so. Another friend is nearing the end of his earthly life. It is frightening to realize that we have no control over death. Then I remember that Jesus defeated death. I am so grateful for his sacrifice. But I am scared nonetheless.

I cry out for strength and it comes. He promised to be with me no matter what. We are His children and He cares for us. So I reach blindly through my tears and grasp at His solid rock. He pulls me up and I am surrounded by His peace.

I do not know what the coming days and weeks will bring. But I will continue to pray to the one who hears me, the one who controls the outcome of all our days and nights. I will ask Him to surround those I care about with His love and His strength and His peace. God never said we wouldn't have difficult journeys. I do know that. I also know that His plan is perfect and it is in His will that I and those I love will find peace to handle whatever happens.