The Oregon coast has been a “happy place” for me the entirety of my life. Every chance I had to go to the coast, I took it. The coast rarely disappointed me in my search for calm when life took a cataclysmic turn.
Peace; that sense of security and calm no matter what situation we’re in. It’s knowing that despite all that is occurring around us, peace is there to keep us grounded and safe. Peace is God. (1 Corinthians 14:33; Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 56:10) And if God is peace (John 14:27), and also our strength, the One whom our faith lies, and the One who loves us, then are we not going to be just fine? Are we not going to be alright? (Psalm 121) Answer: Yes! Abundantly so, yes!
Peace brings joy (Proverbs 12:20). But, like all things, we must work to have this peace. We must plan to have peace. Peace is not a simplistic feeling to obtain, yet it presents itself so simplistically. We are granted peace when our minds stay on Christ, when we focus on Him (Isiah 26:3-4). Sometimes He stops us in our tracks when we’re panicking about something in our lives, brings us to our knees and says, “I’ve got this.” What PEACE that brings knowing that what we’re going through WE ARE NOT GOING THROUGH ALONE! There are others, too, who are searching for peace and as the body of Christ, we are called to work together in peace for His good (Romans 8:28; 14:19).
With this newfound peace, we are called to stay calm for we have claimed Christ as our Lord and the leader of our hearts (Colossians 3:15). We are called to help our neighbor, to help those who are in need and those whom we are able to help (Galatians 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:15). Though it is easier “said-then-done”, sometimes it may feel that no matter what we do, it is either wrong or just never quite enough, but brothers and sisters, don’t lose heart! Sometimes a seed is planted where a sprout will turn to bloom and our eyes may never see. We are not called to see His work, but to do His work and to trust in Him - show peace to those around us so that they may see Him.
When we buy that extra pack of toilet paper and give it to our neighbor who has none, that is showing peace. It’s showing that you have peace in your hearts because our trust and faith are safe and secure in Christ Jesus (Hebrews 12:14). We know that deep down, God is taking care of us and will always take care of us. Maybe He cares for our needs in a way that we may deem unconventional, but our basic needs are still met, are they not?
God knew that this calamity, this pandemic was coming and He prepared for it. He prepared His people, His children to be His bright, shining beacon of hope and peace in a world that is crumbling under the darkness of fear and panic.
So, let’s buck up buttercups and shine bright in the name of our Lord and Savior! Let’s help those in need, let’s be His servants, let’s “wash those feet”, let’s think of others first and above all else, let us be like Christ.
Go and share the love of Christ today!
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