In the book I am reading, one of the characters is described as being at peace. I began thinking about what that would look like. I always thought feeling at peace would mean my life was in order. There was harmony among my family and laughter between my friends. I didn’t have any financial worries and most importantly, I was physically and emotionally healthy.

When I think about a favorite peaceful place, the image of being on my ski boat comes to mind. I absolutely love floating on a shimmering lake when the water is so smooth it looks like glass. A cloudless blue sky beams with the brilliant sun whose warm rays are penetrating my skin. I hear the soft lapping of the water against the side of the hull. In that moment, I feel like I don’t have a care in the world. 

But my life doesn’t exist “without a care in the world”. There is discord among my family, annoyances between friends, unexpected expenses and I can’t ignore that we are now in cold and flu season. So does that mean I can’t ever be at peace? Do I have to wait until everything comes together in unison? Well, that will never happen.

Then I thought about God’s peace. Jesus told his followers,  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” (John 14:27) He also said, “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)  We read that His peace transcends all understanding. I have been blessed to have experienced His peace twice this year. The first time was in February. My son was sick with a life threatening illness. I was terrified and cried all night while he was in the ICU. But the next morning, I felt at peace. Nothing had changed regarding the situation but I knew God was in control. 

The second time was just 2 weeks ago at my Mom’s funeral. while my heart was sad, my mind felt dazed. I was just going through the motions. Then as I was sitting in the pew crying, I felt a warmth come over me. It felt like a blanket being wrapped around my shoulders when I’m cold. And I felt a peace in my broken heart. I can’t explain why. It just enveloped me. It’s true, His peace is beyond understanding.

I will never have complete peace on my own. Life will always present another turbulence. It might feel as small as a hiccup or as violent as an erupting volcano. That is why I need to rely on God. I need His guidance, His forgiveness, His never ending love. The true peace I want, the peace I long for, can only come from Him.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

“For he himself is our peace…” Ephesians 2:14 (NIV)

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” Colossians 3:15 (NIV)