The Peace HabitUzorak

Peace Now, Not When

I’ve had a lot of laughs and good times throughout my life.  But buried beneath the outward smiles, there was always something missing.  The times when I’ve experienced a deep peace in the moment are few and far between.  

I thought peace would only come when….

...we could move to a bigger house.

...I got that better job.

...the holidays would come, and we had some shiny new things. 

...I could keep my house clean for more than an hour.

Quite honestly, these “whens” can kill your spirit and squelch any chance for peace to take hold. But I am realizing that now, in hindsight; God’s peace is something we must pursue. 

You can have peace in your life. Right now.

God designed us to have dreams and goals, and He wants nothing more than to incredibly bless us.  In fact, His word says He can provide anything we need, according to His riches. But don’t focus so much on “things’ when you are looking for peace.   There’s a better way to go about finding peace for now.   

You can have peace that surpasses your understanding, and this guiding peace can change the course of your life.  Right now, peace can:

1. Provide for your needs and desires.  
2. Empower your faith, and deepen your trust in God.
3. Accept God’s timing and notice Him working in your life and in the lives of others.  
4. Comfort you and keep you from grumbling.
5. Ease you into contentment with your current situation 

Instead of “now what” think “now that.”  Now that you have peace, you can set those worries of “when” aside, and put yourself into position to receive God’s overcoming peace.   There’s such a greater peace when knowing your prayers are somewhere with God.  

Knowing that God is on your side, working for you and looking out for your best interest, you can have the peace that surpasses your understanding when navigating through times of confusion, disappointment, and ambiguity.  You will take notice of how He is growing you into His likeness.  Put aside the distractions that tend to throw you off track.  And you can learn to be present in the “now that” moments with peace. You can experience peace, and then embrace the next thing without worry for the “now what.”  

Lori Clapper & Janelle Keith