A Juxtaposition

It was one of those gorgeous clear and crisp winter mornings. Outside I could feel the warmth of the sun on my back, yet that contrasted with the sharp iciness of the air as I breathed in. Cold and warmth experienced at the same time. Rather like sweet and sour. Two opposing forces paired together. It reminded me of when recently I reassured my son who was scared of the storm that raged outside. As I tucked him into bed I reminded him that while the storm went on outside, he could be safe and snug in his bed. Comfort in a storm. Asleep in a storm.

That’s what the peace of the Lord gives us. A life of juxtaposition. The ability to be at rest, calm and safe in the midst of a storm. The ability to be at peace when our circumstances are dictating that we should be anything but that. When circumstances, be it illness, financial or work related, are out of control or in a state of turmoil, we don’t have to be. We can be calm. We can be at peace.

The peace of God is not a state of mind. It is not a feeling. Breathing exercises do not give us access to this peace, neither does a holiday. This peace is a spiritual condition, a posture of our hearts and it has a purpose. The peace that comes from God protects our hearts and minds. God’s peace protects our hearts and minds from turmoil, from chaos. When we have peace in our spirits we can transcend our circumstances.

“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)

“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7-Amp)