"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all." 2 Thessalonians 3:16
The four of us were sitting around the dinner table one evening enjoying our nightly tradition of sharing a meal and catching up with each other on how our day had gone. The boys were young but had lots of stories to share, leaving Dana and I to respond with a nod of the head or a lift of an eyebrow to show we were involved in what they had to say.
Corey was our talkative one during his younger years. Always telling jokes or replaying what went on throughout his day. He was usually always first to start the conversation at the table, sometimes taking up the whole of the meal in telling his tales. Cameron would occasionally speak up with his arm raised, asking when it could be his turn to talk, and I would bite my lip to keep from giggling at his seriousness of the situation.
I don't think we really knew the extent of Cameron's need for quiet and calmness at times until he would begin his tirade of peace seeking with, "Can I get a piece of quiet?" (Cameron's version of peace and quiet). You see, his brother was never one who had trouble 'letting his hair down' in our home; Cameron never really one for the spotlight. Corey was a jokester (everything seemed funny to him, during his elementary and middle school years), Cameron always in for a good laugh, but serious for the most part.
We struggled at times with how to reign Corey in without duling his spirited personality, all the while encouraging Cameron to relax; go easy and enjoy the humor and fun around him.
I believe we can find peace in times of disorder and chaos. I may carry a slight feeling of Cameron's needing peace, and thankfully I have found that peace. I have learned to be more calm and accepting of circumstances, and I have learned most importantly to recognize my Father's presence and His voice when He comes to me in times of chaos.
"Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers! For your God helps you." (1 Chr. 12:18)
As I have gotten older I realize that sometimes my struggles are simply expressions of the inner conflict I feel when I stray from God's path. Thankfully He reigns me in and reminds me of His perfect peace.
Have you found the genuine peace that can be yours through Christ? Are you rushing after the illusion of "peace and happiness" that the world promises but cannot deliver? Why not today accept the Gift that gives you the inner peace that is your spiritual birthright, which is the peace of Jesus Christ?
Earthly peace can only come from eternal peace you will receive when you accept Jesus into your heart. A personal relationship with Christ is all the peace you need.
I love you & He loves you more!
Lord, When everything around us seems to be in turmoil, remind us of Your great power that created this world and sustains it can also sustain us in our marriages, our ministries, our faith, our finances, our health and our hope. I claim that abundance in You. In Jesus' name. Amen.