I just had an aha moment last night while on the phone with a girlfriend (Thank you Wanda). It had been a while since we conversed and it was refreshing to catch up and chat. The aha moment came after I hung up the phone. Prior to the call I was feeling restless, lonely, sad, almost depressed. After the call I felt happy, lifted, and refreshed. Most of all I felt PEACE. She did not pray for me nor I did not share how I was feeling, but somewhere in the middle of the conversation I felt an internal shift.
Why did I feel a shift mid-conversation? Here’s the best example I can think of. Imagine with me that you have to go outside but it’s rainy and cold – what do you do? You put on a coat and grab an umbrella. Did this cause the rain to stop? Did it magically change the temperature? Of course not. The only thing that changed was your response/ reaction to the weather. When I was talking to my friend my situation had not changed, but during the conversation I let her friendship and love be my umbrella and coat. It warmed my heart to talk about the most mundane things. Chatting with her stopped the torrential flood of thoughts that were trying to soak me to the bone.
I chose to be at peace. Peace is always a choice. The bible tells us to choose who we will serve, it tells us to choose life. (Deut. 30:19-20, Joshua 24:14-15) Just as we choose to turn on a light switch or put on a coat. We choose peace. The Bible talks about the peace that passes all understanding. God’s peace makes NO SENSE as it bypasses your head and goes straight to your heart. How can you have peace after the loss of someone close to you? How can you have peace after you’ve lost your job or been diagnosed with an illness? How can you have peace amidst the chaos in which we live? The truth is we can have peace in the midst of any situation.
We are told to “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 NIV. The greek work for rule is a word from which we get umpire. This verse means we should let peace be the umpire of your heart, not your emotions. Let peace call the shots in your heart and mind.
Peace is not only possible but it’s a promise from God. John 14:27 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 How about this verse? You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isiah 26:3 NLT Peace is a gift He gives us.
The next time your mind is being showered with negative thoughts pull out the umbrella of the word. Text a friend or just tell the thoughts “You’re out!” as an umpire would. Peace is not elusive even though people everywhere are seeking after it. Peace is found in Jesus. No God, No peace. Know God, Know Peace. Peace out my peeps!