This weekend my husband and our two boys (we missed Holly) stayed two nights at the beach. Tim and I awakened early Saturday morning and went for a beach walk. When we returned, we saw our eldest son, Hunter, fishing from the shore. I pulled up a chair, shuffled my toes in the sand, rested my head back, and chatted with Hunter. Later in the evening, Tim and I returned to the beach to watch the stars and listen to the waves. Each of these beach moments gave me peace.
Hunter…doing what he loves.
Whether my heart was weighted with prayer, or I’d create a life scenario for a passerby, or think of loved ones who NEED Jesus to be The Boss of their life, I knew that God is The God of peace. Knowing God’s gift of peace in any and all situations gives me comfort.
A beautiful lady in my Sunday School class recently lost her battle to cancer. In her latter days, her desire was for all her friends and family to know and love Jesus, and to get their lives right with Him. I had the opportunity to serve at her Celebration of Life luncheon, after her funeral. This precious lady didn’t want mourning, although we know that is taking place, but wanted to have a party. She requested balloons, a cake (it read “Welcome Home, DJ”), and for her church members and family members to mingle and share God’s love. Peace. Peace was what DJ had in the end. The Prince of Peace is who she is with now. Peace, assurance of salvation peace, is what her request is for all. May God be given all the glory!
Peace can be a state-of-mind of having tranquility or a spiritual harmony through restoration with God. Tranquility is what I feel when I sit and watch the ocean waves billow into the shore. Spiritual harmony is what DJ desired for all to have with God.
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
We will have troubles and trials in life. Some of us may think, “God, that is enough! I can’t take any more!”
“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.” John 16:33
When those quandaries come your way, don’t turn to the things of this world…turn to Jesus. He wants to, and will, give you peace.
God wants us to live in harmony. He didn’t say we’d live in perfect harmony here on earth…that’s called Heaven. We are to make every effort to do what leads to peace.
“Let’s try as hard as we can to do what will bring peace. Let’s do whatever will help each other grow stronger in faith.” Romans 14:19
I always find peace in sunsets!
I hope that you will take a moment (or those 16 seconds in the video) and just breathe. Tap on the rewind tab to hear those waves crashing onto the shore as many times as you need to. When you do, I pray that you will feel God’s love and peace washing over you.
Find peace in a child’s laughter, a sunset, the mountains, the ocean, the lake, your backyard, by relaxing in your tub,…when and wherever you find it…thank Jesus for all He’s done for you. Count your blessings.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
“Minute-LESS Monday”: