The ringing phone startled us awake in the middle of the night. (Everyone knows that’s never a good sign).
My heart was racing before I even knew what the conversation on the other side of the line was about.
As we drove across town to meet the ambulance at the hospital emergency room, I couldn’t help but think about all the other worried hearts up at this time of night.
The front door slams an end to an unresolved argument, a faithful parent praying for a misguided child,
a dwindling bank account taunted by the growing stack of utility bills, torrential storms battering houses and highways.
Sick, crying babies-
Hurting families-
Broken hearts-
Or even the uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring.
It seems overwhelming at times. How are we supposed to deal with one, much less two or three of these things piled up on top of each other? Sometimes it feels like we are drowning in a sea of chaos.
As I was getting dressed, strategizing how I would even be able to salvage the rest of the day, I heard this:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ” (Phil. 4:6-7 BSB)
Be anxious for nothing? Seriously? Does that statement cause your voice to raise an octave higher too?
I have been praying, (and sometimes giving thanks) but what is this peace of God that passes all understanding?
And then, like a lightening bolt, a memory jolted my heart. An assurance from God that I experienced several years ago on the drive to MD Anderson cancer hospital. The same verse appearing during the same feelings of anxiousness, fear and total lack of control.
As the memory rushed in so did the unexplainable feeling of peace that I felt during that trying time. I realized that I had an encounter with Yahweh Shalom, the Lord of Peace.
I also realized that same encounter is available for me whenever I am facing a trial or struggle of any kind, and so are you!
Colossians 3:15 encourages us to “let the peace of Christ rule (our) heart.”
Whatever you are facing today; health concerns, family issues or financial difficulties can all be made to feel lighter as we acknowledge God’s presence through prayer.
This beautiful facet reflects an enviable beauty that many will desire as He bestows upon us the peace that passes all understanding.
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