Convoluted Life vs. Peace

Peace. Have you ever really thought about it? Do you have it? Do you want it? What is it?

Technically defined, peace is the absence of strife or turmoil, or the absence of war. I have been thinking a lot about peace. Not what it isn't, but what it is. Peace involves a calmness, sereneness, and quietness.

Many times, my life does not involve peace. It is more the convoluted life. It seems that rarely is anything ever easy. Everything to do with our business is so detailed and involved. Many times it is very stressful. There are things I have to rely on others for, and when they don't come through it is tough. I have a hard time with that, which leads to my control freakish tendencies. I don't HAVE to be in charge, but if I am, I know exactly how things are getting, or not getting as the case may be, done. This is one area in my life where peace seems elusive. And it is at these very times that I have to realize peace does not come from me or my surroundings. Peace even in SPITE of me, my surroundings, my circumstances, my convoluted life.

Peace comes from God. One of my very favorite Scriptures is Phillipians 4:4-7. It talks about not worrying about anything, but turning to God. Then, when we do that, "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." No wonder I sometimes have a hard time with peace. The peace of God is so perfect, it goes beyond what I can even understand. Who am I to think my problems and "challenges" are too big? Too big for who? Me? Of course! For God? Never!

So, on my journey, I am looking to add more peace. I don't believe it is a destination. It is more a way of life. It is actually a choice, which sometimes really stinks, because when I am not peaceful, I want to blame something or someone else. I don't want to look inside. And yet, if I am not peaceful, it is because I have chosen to be something besides peaceful. I have chosen to rely on something besides the peace of God.

Here are the lyrics to a song I love.
"My peace I give unto you.
It's a peace that the world can not give.
It's a peace that the world cannot understand.
Peace to know, peace to live.
My peace I give unto you."

May God bless your life with peace. And may you be smart enough to accept it!