Four hours before I was laid off, my journey to peace hit overdrive. I had wrapped up a meeting with a client friend who asked me “Who are you listening to? The world and its lies – like Eve with the serpent in the Garden – or God?” And then exhorted me to “Turn it over to Him. Everything. Your job, the school, your retirement fund, your assets, your dreams, anyone and everything you’re holding on to”.
There is no dismissing God’s perfect timing. He is powerful and surprising, and He is on our side even when it doesn’t feel that way. It didn’t, but our job is to tune in and go with Him. To trust. To turn it over to Him. He knows and owns the large view. The long view. He’s got it.
I wouldn’t have chosen this route, but God’s perfect hand has proven infinitely better than mine and created an outcome far exceeding my hopes or capabilities. The training wheels are off, storms still hit, and it is well. It is well because God and His peace dwell wherever I go and will remain as I walk. My task is to tune in and join Him.
When we decide to stop where we are to go to our Creator, to connect deeply and get to know Him, to seek answers and respond to what He teaches, storms do hit, yes, but we endure enveloped in a peace that passes understanding. So we keep going, held closely and equipped by a deeply involved God who loves and cares for His creation.
While we may lose our bearing en route, his view is 360 degrees and calm. His calm can become ours. His rest is a promise.
God will deliver, not if but when. His wisdom of all eternity is at our back. The wind, the waves, time, eternity, and all of existence are at His mercy. And He’s on our side.
Learning to trust in this truth and experience the peace that accompanies it is a journey. Begin by stopping. Breath. Pray. Go to Him. Devote. Recognize and experience His presence. Learn. Forgive. Be forgiven. Find balance. Heal. Go. Repeat.
Your journey will ultimately confirm, God has it.
Scriptures:
John 14:27 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.
Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. 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.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.