Peace. I believe that word conjures up both a general definition and also a personal connotation. Everybody in the world knows what peace is, whether from the enjoyment of it, or the lack of it in their lives. At all the world conferences there is a quest for 'world peace'. Personally, I think we will never attain that until individuals learn what peace is personally.
There are many peaceful scenes that can be pictured. A lake as calm as glass, the house when all the kids are in bed asleep, the roar of a consistent ocean, standing outside in the country and looking up at all the stars, a perfect sunset or sunrise, and the list could go on. God has placed many things in nature that remind us of peace.
I used to think that peace was not having any rough situations in life, nothing to 'rock the boat'. Now, through experience and through the experiences of others, I know that is not the case. Peace is something I can have no matter what life tosses my way. See, I know the one who is the Prince of Peace :) In fact, many many years before Christ was born, there was a prophecy stating that He is such - Isaiah 9:6, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
When one is a prince, they rule over something and they bestow of their wealth and possessions, so it is here. What assurance that the peace I have comes from the one who created that peace, and who freely gives it to those who seek Him.
There are two symbolic examples of peace which I love, as a reminder to myself. The first, and not one I see often where I live, is the ocean after a storm. From the water crashing over the rocks, to boats being tossed up and down, to lives being in as a result... then to utter serenity. The same water that was crashing, now laps gently on the shore. The boats once tossed, now anchor safe and secure, and lives can enjoy the sea once again.
The other example, and one that is quite frequent in the summer, is the calm after a thunderstorm. When the wind has died down, and the rain gone away....there is a sweet atmosphere to be felt and enjoyed. So it is with life. Only with Jesus Christ, the peace can be enjoyed before, DURING and after the storm. A favorite verse of mine is found in Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in you."
A song that I have so often enjoyed is sung by a group called Sanctus Real and it's called, "Whatever you're doing." I've posted the link below so you can listen to it:
"Whatever you're doing, inside of me
It feels like chaos, but somehow there's peace
And though it's hard to surrender to what I can't see,
I'm giving in to something heavenly."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfZ3THjUcs0
Tell me, what is peace to you?
Peace is something that can never fully be achieved. I mean everyone can experience glimmers of peace and tranquility and utter joy... but these moments are just flickers in our lives. Peace can mean a million different things, but for me it is simply a state of mind where I don't have to reassure myself that I did the right thing or that my life is in the right place, I just know. It's those days where you are surrounded by people you love, doing things you love, and you don't need to worry about tomorrow... just the now. For me, I know I am human and I am bound to make mistakes or stumble along this journey, but as long as I can pick myself up, dust myself off, and keep trucking I will always be able to find peace within myself. It has nothing to do with others thoughts or judgements about me or the world... it is simply me being able to appreciate and surround myself with those brief moments of utter bliss. Being able to move on, make myself a better person, and having the ability to only let positivity surround me. When I achieve this, I will have peace. some may say it's unattainable, but I simply think that I haven't made it there yet. Life is a journey.
ReplyDeleteThis is great. Thanks :) ~Spread the Positivity~
DeleteLove it!!!!!!!!!
DeleteKerri - do you really and honestly think that personal peace can NEVER be achieved? Or are you referring to the world situation?
DeleteTo me, peace is achieved when all the necessary tasks and issues have been ironed out for the day. An example is when all homework, preparation for my dance classes, and dance classes are done for the day and I can just sit in the quiet and feel that sense of accomplishment and success that I was aiming for. That's the best. Everything is in harmony for me, at that point. Something very unsettling for me is when I am trying to enjoy a beautiful moment with family, friends, and/or Dylan and feeling that nagging little to-do list that's buzzing through my head. I need to know that I'm finished all the things I needed to get finished, and that I've smoothed over all issues before I can really be at peace.
ReplyDelete"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Phil 4:6-9)
ReplyDeleteThis is true peace. Heavenly peace :-)
I was TRYING to remember where that verse was about His peace being beyond understanding! Thanks :)Love it and I love you!
DeleteGreat post Danielle!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you...most of us grew up thinking of peace as the absence of turmoil rather than the presence of something. This past weekend I met a man...who lost everything. His wife and all three of his children. He is a Christian counsellor and exuded peace. So much so...I got goosebumps thinking that I may have been standing with an angel. He looked at me and said "I have peace because I know God. Deeply. Personally. Intimately. I don't have peace because of my circumstances...b/c I'm referred to as the modern day Job". Peace is the presence of something...or in my case..Someone. I'm not convinced you can truly comprehend what it is ... unless and until you face turmoil. Right now in this huge faith journey we are in...as we've stepped out in faith in a huge way to adopt 2 little boys from China...for us we are experiencing peace in the chaos. As you know, that Santus Reale song was one God used to move us. It felt like chaos...there is no question ... but underneath it all was this odd...deep...peace. We know...that we know..that we know...we are where God wants us and doing what He asked. That equals peace. <3
Patricia Weston-August 9,2012@0154
ReplyDeleteI wrote this after I had a fire in my house and had to be out of it for six weeks.During this time I took a little vacation to visit a dear cousin.It was summertime and one afternoon I was lying in their hammock with my eyes closed,thinking how peaceful it was and how 'at peace' I felt.While wondering how this could be I started to think-'what is peace?'This is how it came to me-'Peace is not the absence of trials or turmoil but the firm and settled assurance that God is in control.'
This was in May '98 and I've known it to be true many times since!