When I was in college, I struggled to follow my calling. I landed as a nursing major, but the math and science were not easy. I excelled in languages and written communication. Yet I was certain God wanted me to be a nurse. I worked and stressed all the way through school, finally graduating with that coveted degree.
Do you recall being a student? Do you remember the terror of what the future might hold? Do you recollect the dream of it all being over and life set? The idea that there would be no more uncertainty, unsettlement, or unease?
I wanted an escape.
I wanted to escape.
I wanted to get away, away from this, away from it all.
I wanted to stop the warring inside, the back and forth, the hope turned despair.
With age comes the realization that accolades, accomplishments, and busyness can’t buy contentment. We search for, are eluded by, and desperately desire only one thing: peace.
John 16:33 tells us Jesus offered peace. Offered, not explained how to earn. He wanted to freely give it. We don’t need to earn it. We don’t need to work for it. He just offered it.
At the end of that degree was a momentarily celebration- whew! I am finally done! But faster than I could say, “graduation- no more school!” other concerns, stresses and distractors stole my joy and robbed me of peace. Because I staked my peace on earthly things.
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)
Peace, true peace, comes from being right with God. The only way to do that is through Jesus. See John 14:6
I am able to sit in His presence, not because I’ve earned it, but because my soul knows I am forgiven and dearly loved. Period. End of story. That’s it. That’s all I have to be.
And the same is true for you. Does your soul truly know that? Or do you shy away from His incredible love? And mercy? And grace?
He doesn’t want us troubled or afraid. He doesn’t want us focused on our shortcomings when He has long forgiven and forgotten them. He doesn’t want anything to separate us from His love and His peace.
Once we have confessed and then accepted His forgiveness, it’s done. We don’t need to travel the never-ending road of should have’s, would have’s or I wished…
It’s truly over. We can rest in Him. We have fear no more. We can have peace. His peace. The peace of knowing I’m right with God.
Maybe like me, your mind needs a reminder that it’s okay to rest in Him and share His peace. Let’s pray the He will teach us just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for Your peace that comes through drawing closer to You. That You want me to share in Your peace. To not fear. To not have a troubled heart. To rest in peace, peace You both author and freely give. Please help me to confess, accept and then to allow myself to rest with You in peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.