Monday, December 12, 2011

Advent - Peace


Peace flows like a river and I love floating in it. After the satisfaction and frenzy of joy, peace envelopes like a glove on a crisp winter evening. It springs from the inside, like an aquifer. This peace is unlike what the outside world can offer; it surpasses our understanding which means it is beyond our ability to reason with it.

In John 16:25-33, Jesus explains to his disciples he is going to leave them; not only that Jesus tells us his friends they will abandon him and have tribulations. Then Jesus tells them not to worry but maintain peace. Yeah, right.

Until recent years, I didn’t know I could live in the peace river. I used to make day trips to the river, you know, spend the day on the river bed with the family, maybe a picnic and definitely a floatation device, but set up permanent camp? That’s not the real world, eventually responsibilities will call you away. Or at least I thought.

As I’ve made my hope secure, (or rather, once I learned my hope was secure because apart from Christ, I can’t do anything), I’ve laughed and rejoiced my way to the peace and rest of heaven. Nowadays, my peace isn’t like steel but it isn’t as easily shaken because I’ve been learning to focus on how big my God is, rather than how big the tribulation is and that brings me peace.

What does peace that surpasses understanding mean to you?

Weekly Advent Bible Reading Plan:
Monday, December 12, 2011:  John 16:25-33
Tuesday, December 13, 2011:  Romans 16:17-20
Wednesday, December 14, 2011:  Galatians 5:16-23
Thursday, December 15, 2011:  Deuteronomy 28:1-14
Friday, December 16, 2011: Luke 2:8-21

2 comments:

Linda Maynard said...

To me, the peace that passes all understanding is the calm that I feel in the midst of pain,discouragement difficulties,etc. I don't think it always comes automatically to me ( although there are times it does) but it involves a reflection and a letting go. A reflection that Christ truly is my anchor and a release on my part, realizing I simply cannot go on by myself. I need the Prince of Peace to settle me.

Doug Spurling said...

I think, His Peace is in knowing everything else is just pieces. A puzzle piece. If I look at the piece alone, I loose peace. If I find a way to stay in prayer, to stay in His Presence, from His vantage point I see the big picture and the little stuff, the break down, break up, long month, short money all is just a piece but not the whole puzzle. The Big Picture of Peace River, puts the little waves in perspective, and I can stay on Peace River without drowning in it. I think I started rambling and hope this makes sense to you...but I'm at peace with it:-)