In a world that pulsates with troubles and trials

is there any peace to be found?

Or somehow has peace – the essence of true peace – disappeared?

I remember like yesterday the day that I received that phone call

telling me that my mom had had a stroke.

For the next five years her life and the lives of those close to her

became a round of doctors, medications and therapy.

I discovered peace in treasuring each moment

knowing that God was in charge of everything

and resting in His Promises for strength.

‘My grace is sufficient for you. My power is made perfect in weakness.’ (II Cor. 12:9)

In my office a small plaque hangs with these words called The Serenity Prayer.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and the wisdom to know the difference. *

Much of life simply happens.

Sickness and loss, disappointments and trials.

But God is in the midst of all we experience. He whispers to us ‘Peace be still.’

He woos us to rest on Him; to not carry the burden by ourselves.

The diamond of peace sparkles through the rubble

as we learn to come unto Him

and give Him those difficult, painful situations.

Peace shines brightly as our fingers are gently loosened from the heavy weights of life

and His Love is embraced.

Yes, my heart whispers again today,

He knows it all

and He is our Peace.

Freely offered for all who receive Him.

We don’t need to worry about tomorrow.

No, He will be our peace tomorrow too.

Holding us tenderly

Supporting us on all sides

He is all that we need.

Today may you glimpse even more clearly

His Peace.

Radiant,

Strong,

Brightly shining peace.

And may His Peace be yours as you receive His Gift that will never leave you.

All those troublesome situations that we experience

from day to day

serve as opportunities for us to see

and to know

and to share with others

Peace.

His Peace.

Him.

* R.Niebuhr