The Lord of Peace – Day 5

So, here I am. Here we are. Our world has been shattered.  What do we do next?  How can we fix this? What are we supposed to do?  How do we get up today and do life all over again when we are floundering like fish on the beach caught unaware when the tide went out?

I have come to realize the same wave doesn’t come to shore twice.  The current moves it, the sands shift, the sun isn’t so bright, the sun is bright. The moon is full and the moon wanes, controlling the tides – and the rains fall.  The wind blows. A boat creates a wake that changes others paces, changing every inch it moves.  The wave is not in control. Who is in control?

We are not in control of circumstances in our lives.  Outside forces are always at work.  Just like the wave, life takes us places we don’t want to go.

It is so easy to feel that desperation mounting inside my chest, screaming – sometimes silently and sometimes with every ounce of air I can find deep inside my lungs – loudly, embarrassingly filled with rawness – as exposed as if I were standing naked before the world.

And the whispers come – telling me I am helpless – I am worthless – I am a failure.

And then, I feel the stirring in my soul.  Deep.  Inside.  My search and my cries turn from the world.  Gently, it is as though God takes my brokenness in His hand and begins to put the pieces together as only He can.  God becomes my lifeline as I plead with Him to make the craziness stop.  And He does. He quiets the violence of the storm driven waves. He hushes the wind. The waves slow and begin to crawl – now gently making their way to the shore.

It’s not that the circumstances change, it’s that I am realizing I am not in control – but – the most beautiful part of that knowledge is recognizing I do not have to be.

I still cannot change the circumstances – that is part of living life in this world – I CAN change the tools I use to maneuver through this life.

I can still be carried as the wave is carried with all the outside conditions surrounding me.   The choice I do have is to be moving through life in God’s hand.  I can be tangible evidence to others that God is alive and well and REAL!  To others, it might appear I have no choices, but that stirring in my soul I mentioned earlier – it is my lifeline in the chaos – it is my choice – my first choice.

In Proverbs 2:1-6 read what God is saying about wisdom, understanding and knowing Him.

 1 My son, accept my words.

Store up my commands inside you.

 2  Let your ears listen to wisdom.

Apply your heart to understanding.

³ Call out for the ability to be wise.

Cry out for understanding.

⁴ Look for it as you would look for silver.

Search for it as you would search for hidden treasure.

⁵ Then you will understand how to have respect for the Lord.

You will find out how to know God.

⁶ The Lord gives wisdom.

Knowledge and understanding come from his mouth.

Somehow, in my faith in God’s promises, I can be filled with a peace and joy in the midst of the chaos.  Boldly explore where God is in your life.  Look for Him.  Seek His peace.  Give up your need to control everything around you.  Embrace His love for you.  Be loved even when the world is set on robbing you of that amazing opportunity as it twists and turns on you.

Just as no two waves will ever be the same, no two days in our lives will ever be the same. We are not in control of outside circumstances.  Our journey revolves around what is going on inside us and the work God is doing there as we seek a deeper, closer relationship with Him.

I don’t know much but this I know – God is real and He loves me and He loves you!  That’s enough to fill me with joy today. 

2 Thessalonians 3:16  Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

“Lord, please come into our lives – each of us reading this. Please hush the storms that crowd out Your quiet. Your peace. We seek You, Lord. We are tired of trying to live life with so many rules. Too many expectations to keep track of. Too much noise. Still our minds. Rest our hearts. We love You, Lord. That You love us – that still amazes me. But, I believe. I trust. In Jesus’ name – Amen”