Quiet. And Tranquility. Freedom. Complete and total zen, as some may say.
This word, I'll admit, has been absent from my memory log which thus translates to being absent from my day-to-day living.
Peace.
Something as simple as that. And with life being as chaotic and dramatic as ever lately a word like "peace" sure could be useful.
In Philippians 4 Paul writes that we aren't to be anxious about anything. Yet that is where I often find my heart and my mind wandering towards. He says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Gut shot.
So many times, so many circumstances I find myself sitting alone in my thoughts (my LEAST favorite place to be) thinking "Well, crud, here I am with this situation and I am just stuck. There is obviously no hope here. I'm basically done for.. Here is where my end begins.. Way to go, Kait"
But then God steps in and basically just says "Pray. With thanksgiving (meaning your life isn't completely in shambles and you have TONS to be thankful for), and present your request to ME. The God who has always promised to take care of you and has been faithful to do so. And when you finally release that to ME I will give you peace to guard your ever wandering heart and mind from doubt."
Peace.
There's that word again. The word I'd about forgotten because I've been too needy and restless to even consider this word.
When you think about it, though, it's a powerful word. Who DOESN'T like to be at peace? No one willfully says "This whole quietness, tranquility, and feeling of 'aaaahhhhh' is just completely worthless.. I'm done with this!"
In my 24 years of life and in all the times I find myself alone in my thoughts -- I can honestly say THAT internal conversation never took place..
But it's such a pivotal thing. Peace, I mean. Not just as a Christian but as a human being.
With the seemingly constant and ever changing pace in today's society and everything in borderline complete and total chaos ... it's important to set your sights to God and remember Peace.
To be at peace with YOURSELF (how you look, who you are, etc)
To be at peace with your CIRCUMSTANCE (even if its REALLY difficult)
To be at peace with your LIFE (It is a gift! Don't squander it.)
God gives us Peace. And not just any Peace. It's a Peace that comes directly from the source of all Peace. Scripture is dripping with words that instruct and encourage we be at peace (considering all aspects of life, here). Whether its wishing peace upon someone else, praying for peace for yourself, peace between enemies, or thanking and praising God for peace. Peace is everywhere. And it is important.
God has overcome the World so He can certainly handle anything you're dealing with in the world. May the knowledge of that bring some semblance of Peace. Quietness. Tranquility. Freedom.