PROTECTIVE PEACE

R eluctantly I opened my wallet, pulled out our little cash, and bought the old used car. Circumstances had gone poorly as we entered our second year of marriage. A medical emergency during the birth of our first child had put us in a financial crisis. During my wife’s life-threatening ordeal, the engine on my diesel pickup went bad when it overheated.

If I’m completely honest, God was getting many questions and a bit of attitude. Okay, maybe a lot of attitude.

We got the car home and within 24 hours my eyes were opened to the scam. Breathless regret flooded my mind, quickly turning to anger. Anger at the seller; anger at myself for being so stupid. Our only cash wasted on a piece of junk – and not just junk, but unsafe transportation for our newborn daughter.

In communion with Him – the place of conversation, vulnerability, and gratitude – is incomprehensible peace.

I knew not to buy the car. The peace was not there. BUT, we desperately needed a vehicle. BUT, we couldn’t wait. But, …, But, … But, … Fears and anxieties persisted, running wild, turning into logical justifications. I’ve observed that a lack of peace spawns a whole lot of “buts” and excuses to justify pushing ahead without it. I broke through the barrier of peace to get what I wanted, what I needed, and what fear counseled was the answer.

Through the years, my trust in the Prince of Peace has grown immensely. I have come to realize the value of my heart and mind being kept (protected) IN Christ Jesus. Peace does this.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6-7

In communion with Him – the place of conversation, vulnerability, and gratitude – is incomprehensible peace. This intimate place of relationship is guarded by peace. Your heart (core thoughts and feelings) and your mind (mental perception and perspective) are safe in Jesus Christ.

Sadly, the car purchase isn’t the only time I bypassed peace’s perimeter for logic’s choice. I’ve crossed the peace line in relationships, activities, and even spiritual decisions. Big things and little things.

But, I have come to treasure the perimeter of peace and here, continue to discover a place of freedom for my heart and mind – in Christ Jesus.

The mind-blowing guard of Jehovah’s PEACE protects and keeps your thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and intellect IN JESUS CHRIST. Peace hems you in Jesus’ presence. It is not a cage or a prison. Jesus walks freely and powerfully. He created you to walk such in Him – in PEACE.

When peace is missing you feel it. You know it. You must cross back inside – inside peace’s perimeter of relational intimacy and communion with Jesus. PEACE.

So, commune with Him today. And tomorrow. Keep it up. Pray. Be vulnerable. Be grateful. Listen.

Peace is yours as you abide within its perimeter.

“Abide in Peace” is the September photo for the 2024 Calendar