Supernatural Peace

Peace – oh, how we take it for granted! But when we do not have it, oh, how we realize it’s great worth!

The kicker is we don’t have to live without peace in our lives. That’s right. We don’t have to live in turmoil or in fear. Peace is readily available. No, it’s not a life without pain or troubles, not a world without war or strife but an inexplicable calm in the midst of our troubling circumstances, a steadiness that holds us when our fears overwhelm. This peace comes only from the Lord.

In John 14:27, Jesus says,

“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.”

There it is, folks! The Lord has already given it to us. So, why are we shaken when bad news comes our way? Why do we worry when our bank accounts are drained and our livelihoods are taken from us? Why are we consumed with anger and hatred when the world turns its back?

Maybe, the problem is our focus.

Take a look at Peter. I know you’ve read the story. I know you’ve heard sermon after sermon and already know the illustration I’m about to give. But the Word of God is an eternal fountain of knowledge and truth (Proverbs 2:6, Psalm 119:130; John 17:17; Matthew 24:35). His Word provides light and understanding each time it is read so, this well-known story of Peter walking on the water to Jesus may just be worth another look.

In Matthew 14, the Bible tells us of a time when the disciples were in the midst of a lake fishing. The weather took a turn for the worse and the waves began to grow higher and higher. Suddenly, the disciples saw a figure walking on the water toward them. Someone piped up, “It’s a ghost!” And, of course, that had to be true so fear overtook the disciples. We know, however, that it wasn’t a ghost; it was Jesus coming to the disciples’ rescue. Knowing their fears, Jesus cried out,

“Don’t be afraid. It is I.”

Well, good ol’ Peter challenged, “If it is you, Lord, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus beckoned and Peter jumped out of the boat and began walking on the water toward Him. Everything was fine and dandy as long as Peter kept his eyes on his Rescuer. But the waves were crashing in on him and he just had to turn his head. As soon as he did, Peter began to sink.

The story continues with Jesus pointing out Peter’s lack of faith, pulling him out of the water and returning him to the boat. In the end, Jesus stepped into the boat, the storm subsided and the disciples once again smacked their foreheads and said, “Wow! This really is God’s Son.” (Oh, how we are so much like Jesus’ disciples! No matter how many times Jesus reveals His sovereignty, love and faithfulness, we are surprised at each revelation as if we doubted His promises were ever true. But that is a subject for another time…)

Peace – it’s all about our focus. Peter was fine when he kept his eyes on Jesus. The waves were still crashing in around him. The storm was still brewing but Peter remained steady. The problem arose when his focus was diverted. Peter forfeited his peace when he turned his attention toward his circumstances. How often we do the same. We survey our situation and conclude there is no hope. We surrender to the fear, to the helplessness, to the unknowing and we begin to sink. In fact, we begin to drown. Fortunately, our Rescuer knows our weakness and reaches out His hand to save us.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:7

Peace – Supernatural Peace – that surpasses all of our understanding and transcends any circumstances can be yours. Your situation may remain the same, the problems may still exist but your life can be filled with peace if you’ll turn your focus from the waves crashing around you and fix your eyes on the only One who can steady your heart and mind.

In a song of praise to God found in Isaiah 26:3, we find the words,

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”

These words remind me of another song I sang as a child that says,

“I’ve got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart,

Down in my heart,

Down in my heart.

I’ve got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart,

Down in my heart to stay.” ¹

Don’t you want that lasting peace?

Take your eyes off the storm and focus on Jesus.

¹Lyrics by George W. Cooke

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Look Up!

Have you ever been to the dentist? What a traumatic experience it can be! You’re lying back in the dentist’s chair with mouth open wide. You have no where to go. You can’t speak and your discomfort is certainly not being eased by the dentist’s off-key rendition of Broadway show tunes. You could close your eyes and imagine a gentle brook babbling in the midst of a lush green field but the thought of sharp metallic instruments prodding your teeth and gums encourages an alertness like you’ve never experienced. You have nothing to do but look up.

There are many times in life when we find ourselves in the dentist’s chair – vulnerable and helpless while being prodded by the antics of the world. We search for escape but the realities of the situation seem to hold us hostage with no where to go and no where to look … but up. 

What better direction to look! 

Look up to the One who already knows our troubles and needs.

Look up to the One who can give us comfort and relieve our pain in times of distress. 

Look up to the One who holds tomorrow and all of life in the palm of His hand. He is our answer. He is our help.

So when you find yourself in the dentist’s chair of life, 

Don’t stress.

LOOK UP!!

Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 33:20 – We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

John 16:33 – “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.” – Jesus

The Small Stuff

As my younger son was growing up, I had to find creative ways to deal with his, well, let’s just say, “antics.” Social media was my outlet and I would “vent” by posting daily updates on what my kid was up to. Most of the posts were about his behavior at school, for example:

2nd Grade Saga: Day 80 – Morning Conversation

ALEX: Maggie was Model Student this month. Do you know who the model student was last month?

ME: Nope. Who?

ALEX: Maggie’s best friend. You know, mom, model student doesn’t go in order.

ME: I know. You have to be on dark green every day to be the model student.

ALEX: Yeah. I don’t know how to do that!

 

Such was the theme throughout his entire elementary school years. <SIGH>

Other times, the posts were about my child’s unique perspective on the world around him:

3rd Grade Boys and Pizza:

Alex opens up a box of pizza and sings “Aaaaaaaah” in his best angelic voice.

He closes the box and opens it again. “Aaaaaaaah,” he sings.

“It would be cool if it did that every time you opened the box, wouldn’t it?” he asked. “I wish there was an app for that!”

 

I learned to truly enjoy how his little brain thought!

This kid always kept me on my toes. He challenged me to see the silver lining in every situation, to turn what could be worrisome mom moments into opportunities to enjoy my child’s rough edges and pointy corners and to laugh when everything was telling me to give up.

And many times, his crazy antics ended up teaching me much, much more:

Alex’ Summertime Antics:

Tonight at church, we learned that if Jesus can calm a terrible storm by saying three simple words, “Peace! Be still!”, He can surely calm the storms of our lives (help us through tough times). So, I asked the kids to tell me some tough things that they go through that God can help them with. The kids gave great answers – school, losing a friend, the death of loved ones, breaking an arm or leg, parents getting divorced.

Then, Alex raised his hand…

“When you drop your iPod on your bed and it bounces up and hits you in the eye!”

One of the other teachers looked at me and said, “That’s YOUR kid!”

Yes, he is my kid! And he had a very good point – whether he realized it or not.

There is absolutely nothing too small to take to God in prayer. If it matters to you, it matters to Him. He cares about everything that is going on in your life.

We tend to believe we don’t need to waste God’s time on the small stuff, like our child’s behavior at school or loosing our car keys or getting hit in the eye with a bouncing iPod. But it’s often the little things like these that weigh us down the most. We throw these small troubles over our shoulders and say, “I got this.” Then, when the next little thing comes along, we throw it over our shoulders, too. And we keep adding and adding and adding until all those little problems that we thought for sure we could handle become a huge burden that we can no longer bear.

We could save ourselves a whole lot of heart (and back) ache by just taking each little trouble to the Lord. You’re not going to offend God by bringing what you think is a tiny matter to Him in prayer. No, God will say “Peace! Be Still!” to any size storm – even a little rain shower. That’s how amazing our God is!

So, what are you waiting for? Take Alex’ advice about the small stuff and start unloading those shoulders of yours. Then, get ready to enjoy God’s peace!

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:7‬

A Year of Smiles – Day 41

Reason to SMILE #41: PEACE

365 reasons to Smile – from day one, I have been determined to share the joys of life, both small and large, with anyone who happens upon this blog in the hopes that my smiles will bring smiles to others.  Who knew it would be such a challenge!  No, no, don’t get me wrong.  My life is filled with reasons to smile.  In the 41 days I have been sharing these smiles, however, I’ve never felt so distracted, overwhelmed, stressed and downhearted.  Something, or someone, doesn’t like these SMILES and is doing his best to keep my focus off the joys in my life.

Today, he almost succeeded.

Have you ever gotten to the point where you just needed a good slap on the back of the head?  That was me today and the slap came in the form of a little, orange card.  It was placed right in front of me in the midst of a “woe is me” session.  Take a look:

My eyes fell on #4 – “And the peace of God will guard your heart and mind.”  Ouch!  That was a hefty smack!  But I needed it.

It’s time to stop allowing the enemy to rob me of my peace.  It’s time to quit listening to the lies of Satan.  It’s time to stop believing that my problems are too big or my worries are too great.  It’s time to start taking my cares to my great, big God and letting Him handle them.  It’s time to start enjoying His peace.

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

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 (ESV)

I don’t have to be distracted by the troubles of this world.  Yes, they will keep on coming my way and Satan will keep on throwing them in my face.  I just have to remind myself that God has already overcome all my troubles and the one who is tossing them my way so I can focus on the SMILES knowing that I am protected by God’s perfect peace!

 

Image by symbols-n-emoticons.com

A Year of Smiles – Day 6

Reason to SMILE #6: HUGS

I give warm hugs.  This is the message on one of my t-shirts.  Beside this message is a picture of a goofy little snow man that seems to be falling apart.  You know that snow man, right?  He was really popular a few years ago when that one movie was released. Remember that movie? It was the one with princesses, a bad guy pretending to be a hero, a reindeer and an ice delivery man who becomes a reluctant hero.  Ring any bells?  No?  Okay, I’ll Let It Go then.  (Wink. Wink.)

Anyway, I feel a bit strange when I wear this t-shirt because I’m not usually one to offer hugs freely.  It makes me uncomfortable.  I don’t know why.  Don’t get me wrong.  I give hugs.  I hug my family.  I hug my kids at church.  I hug folks I haven’t seen in ages.  I just don’t hug each person I see every time I see them.  People who do that are true “warm huggers”.  They have a gift.

There are times, though, when I need a hug – times when my heart is heavy, when the burdens of life overwhelm, when there’s no answers to my problems and I just need to be held.  During these times, a warm hug is most welcome and does much good.

It’s amazing the power of a hug.  A hug can lift spirits and lighten a load. Hugs can even reduce blood pressure and improve emotional well-being and overall health. It’s true!  I read it on Facebook! (Wink. Wink.) Well, I do know one thing for certain – a hug given at just the right time can make the heaviest of hearts and loneliest of souls SMILE again.

I think I need to start giving more hugs.  How about you?

Supernatural Peace

Peace – oh, how we take it for granted!  But when we do not have it, oh, how we realize it’s great worth!

The kicker is we do not have to live without peace in our lives.  That’s right.  We do not have to live in turmoil or in fear.  Peace is readily available.  No, it’s not a life without pain or troubles, not a world without war or strife but an unexplainable calm in the midst of our troubling circumstances, a steadiness that holds us when our fears overwhelm.  This peace comes only from the Lord.

In John 14:27, Jesus says, “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.” (NIV)  There it is, folks!  The Lord has already given it to us.  So, why are we shaken when bad news comes our way? Why do we worry when our bank accounts are drained and our livelihoods are taken from us?  Why are we consumed with anger and hatred when the world turns its back?  I believe the answer lies with our focus.

Take a look at Peter.  I know you’ve read the story.  I know you’ve heard sermon after sermon and already know the illustration I’m about to give.  But the Word of God is an eternal fountain of knowledge and truth (Proverbs 2:6, Psalm 119:130; John 17:17; Matthew 24:35).  His Word provides light and understanding each time it is read so, this well-known story of Peter walking on the water to Jesus may just be worth another look.

In Matthew 14, the Bible tells us of a time when the disciples were in the midst of a lake fishing. The weather took a turn for the worse and the waves began to grow higher and higher.  Suddenly, the disciples saw a figure walking on the water toward them.  Someone piped up, “It’s a ghost!”  And, of course, that had to be true so fear overtook the disciples.  We know, however, that it wasn’t a ghost but was Jesus coming to the disciples’ rescue.  Knowing their fears, Jesus cried out, “Don’t be afraid.  It is I.”  Well, good ol’ Peter challenged, “If it is you, Lord, tell me to come to you on the water.”  Jesus beckoned and Peter jumped out of the boat and began walking on the water toward Him.  Everything was fine and dandy as long as Peter kept his eyes on his Rescuer.  But the waves were crashing in on him and he just had to turn his head.  Peter began to sink.  The story continues with Jesus pointing out Peter’s lack of faith, pulling him out of the water and returning him to the boat.   In the end, Jesus stepped into the boat, the storm subsided and the disciples once again smacked their foreheads and said, “Wow! This really is God’s Son.”  (Oh, how we are so much like Jesus’ disciples!  No matter how many times Jesus reveals His sovereignty, love and faithfulness, we are surprised at each revelation as if we doubted His promises were ever true.  But that is a subject for another time…)

Peace – it’s all about our focus.  Peter was fine when he kept his eyes on Jesus.  The waves were still crashing in around him.  The storm was still brewing but Peter remained steady.  The problem arose when his focus was diverted.  Peter forfeited his peace when he turned his attention toward his circumstances.  How often we do the same.  We survey our situation and conclude there is no hope.  We surrender to the fear, to the helplessness, to the unknowing and we begin to sink.  In fact, we begin to drown.  Fortunately, our Rescuer knows our weakness and reaches out His hand to save us.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (NIV)  Peace – Supernatural Peace – that surpasses all of our understanding and transcends any circumstances can be yours.  Your situation may remain the same, the problems may still exist but your life can be filled with peace.  Turn your focus from the waves crashing around you and fix your eyes on the only One who can steady your heart and mind.

In a song of praise to God found in Isaiah 26:3, we find the words, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (NLT)  These words remind me of another song I sang as a child that says,

“I’ve got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart,

Down in my heart,

Down in my heart.

I’ve got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart,

Down in my heart to stay.” *

Don’t you want that lasting peace?  Make Jesus your focus and allow Him in your life.  After Jesus rescued Peter from sinking, the Bible tells us that as soon as Jesus stepped into the disciples’ boat, the storm was calmed.  Why don’t you let Him in your boat today?  You won’t regret it.

*Words by George W. Cooke

Look Up!

Have you ever been to the dentist?  What a traumatic experience it can be – lying back in the dentist’s chair with mouth open wide.  You have no where to go.  You cannot speak and your discomfort is certainly not being eased by the dentist’s off key rendition of Broadway show tunes.  You could close your eyes and imagine a gentle brook babbling in the midst of a lush green field but the thought of sharp metallic instruments prodding your teeth and gums encourages an alertness like you’ve never experienced.  You have nothing to do but look up.

There are many times in life when we find ourselves in the dentist’s chair – vulnerable and helpless while being prodded by the antics of the world.  We search for escape but the realities of the situation seem to hold us hostage with no where to go and no where to look … but up.  What better direction to look!  Look up to the One who already knows our troubles and needs.  Look up to the One who can give us comfort and relieve our pain in times of distress.  Look up to the One who holds tomorrow and all of life in the palm of His hand.  He is our answer.  He is our help.

So when you find yourself in the dentist’s chair of life, don’t fret.  LOOK UP!!

Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 33:20 – We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

John 16:33 – “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.”  – Jesus