Peace

Peace is the sense that everything is as it should be.

It's the deep conviction that a wise plan is unfolding,

            step by step, moment by moment,

                        in time and in tune with the heartbeat

                                       of the Creator.

It's found in the eye of the storm,

            where stillness enfolds us in loving arms

                        even as we watch the world spin wildly 

                                       out of control around us. 

It's the peace Jesus had when he stood in Pilate's courtyard;

            the peace the martyrs had facing lions in the coliseum;

                        the peace today's believers have facing the swords

                                       of crazed assassins. 

It's a peace available to all of us who acknowledge our helplessness,
            who collapse under the weight of our own sinfulness

                        and choose to embrace God's offer

                                       of forgiveness.

                                   

It's the peace that comes with an unshakable faith in the reality that,

            because of God's loving provision of salvation through Jesus,

                        eternal joy will come for us 

                                      "in the morning."

Don't worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and the peace of God which transcends human understanding will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7  (J.B. Phillips translation)