Minister's word: Peace, Perfect Peace

I am, by nature, a person who wants all things to be right and to run smoothly. I call it my Martha syndrome.  In fact, I always have a “Plan B”, just in case.

But, lately, something is changing.  In the clear light of day, or in the deep silence of the night, I sometimes find myself with a sense of the deepest peace.  A feeling so warm, so gentle, so calm that, just for a moment, it takes my breath away.  Perhaps it’s something that, with grace, creeps slowly upon you as you age.  Perhaps it is the result of so much of your stuff becoming water under your own bridge.

In any event, I have found myself wondering about the quote from Philippians 4: 7 “The peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Just what is that peace which passes all understanding?

Over the past week I have had the honor of walking with two families who have lost a loved one.  I have done this too many times over the past eleven years or so.  But, this week, perhaps because I am more open to it, I witnessed that calm maturity and acceptance which borders on the presence of the holy; inner peace.

And that, perhaps, is where the mystery lies.

According to “The Mind of Christ” by T.W. Hunt, in the Bible, the word peace is often translated to mean “to tie together as a whole” or “when all essential parts are joined together”.

Inner peace then is a wholeness of mind and spirit, a whole heart at rest.  It has little to do with external surroundings.

Peace is not the absence of trouble, it is the presence of God.  It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit

In John 14: 27, Jesus said “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”.

My wish for you is that you too may find that place of peace, deep peace. 

Beryl