Peace Beyond Our Understanding

Peace was discussed a bit at church today. I admit that for a few minutes then I was lost in memory lane rather than paying attention to the worship.


I became a Christian during a divorce. I didn't want the divorce and I tried everything I could to keep my husband from leaving. That includes actually holding his arm tightly in an attempt to physically keep him there as he walked away. I couldn't face being without him. I couldn't even begin to imagine how I was going to face the next minutes, hours - let alone life - without him. I was utterly devastated.


Somehow I made it work each day, barely making it through. But when I got home, I fell apart. During this time, and primarily because of my mother-in-law, I gave my life to Jesus. I started going to church, reading the bible, and praying. I'd read through the list of verses that my mother-in-law gave me, all of which became my first favorite verses. I'd cry myself to sleep.


Soon one night I was sitting in bed, reading through the list of verses, and praying. I felt like I couldn't get over the despair, and like I couldn't face one more moment in the state I was in.


What happened is something I will never forget and that changed my life forever. I cried out to God and asked Him to let me feel his peace. At that moment, I started feeling peace in my body - starting at the top of my head. I felt peace move down until I felt it in my neck and shoulders. I was still crying, but at the same time I was amazed because I could physically feel the peace. It moved down my chest and into my arms, down my torso. By now I was smiling, grateful, in awe. I started thanking God as peace continued to flow down until I could feel it in my whole body.
Philippians Chapter 4 talks about peace - a peace that is beyond our understanding.


Verses 6-7:


6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


That peace which transcends all understanding is what God gave me that night. Since that time I can't say that my life has been without troubles from time to time, but I CAN say that I've learned not to worry or be distraught. If my first thought isn't to give it to God and ask for his peace, then that anxiety would follow and despair would take over. I've learned that God is real, he is faithful, and he carries out his promises. I have peace because I know God is with me and that no matter what I have to face in life, I am not alone - he is there and will never leave.  That gives me a peace that is beyond understanding! That peace guards my heart as I rest in Jesus.


When you know Jesus as your personal savior, you too can experience that peace. That is a blessing you can have - just ask Jesus!