Wednesday, May 27, 2009

The USPS, Washington D.C., and PEACE.

Do you even know why I named my blog 'Peaceful Heart'? I should probably explain it. I think I mentioned it when I first started my blog, but no one goes back to look at all those old posts. It all goes back to one of my favorite verses, John 16:33.

"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."

My Bible has an interesting note at the bottom of the page about Philippians 4:6-7 (the verse that speaks of peace that transcends all understanding). It says "True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings. It comes from knowing that God is in control." How powerful is that?! Peace is really, after it is stripped down to the bare essentials, confident trust in the Lord. It's not all about erasing worry or responsibility- instead, effective and genuine peace comes from confident trust!

I had the biggest lesson in peace today. I'm still stung by it. I'm leaving to go halfway across the world in 6 days (or 4 business days...), and I've yet to get my visa (which also includes my passport) back in the mail. I have been on pins and needles the past week waiting for this package, running to the mailbox and skipping a few heartbeats every time I see a pile of envelopes-- but no visa. I have 4 more business days to receive that blessed little white envelope, or else the beautiful island I'm anticipating will not see a certain head of blonde curls. And that freaks me out.

It's so easy to memorize verses about peace and find catchy sayings about it, but living out true peace is hard. I know in my head that God is in control, but every fiber of my control-freak personality wants to drive up to Washington D.C. and get that little blue book myself TODAY! But as I drove to Wal-Mart today to get out of the house and pray in the car (which is my favorite), I had a nice little chat with God and a pretty bad scolding by him on my lack of faith. I have been so impatient with God, demanding things in my timing.

I don't really even know how to begin the process of having genuine peace about the situation except to pray without ceasing. That's what Paul tells the Philippians to do to gain peace anyway! Would you join me in praying that the devil will not follow through with his wicked scheme to take my trust in God away? It's all I can do. Pray without ceasing. Christ has overcome the world, let us rejoice and be peaceful!

1 comment:

  1. I read all of your blogs. :)
    I really hope everything works out, so you can go! Although I will miss you, I know God has an awesome plan for you with the kids on that island!

    ReplyDelete