Peace is my focus word for this year yet I realise I have neglected to write about it. Until now, that is. Does it mean my life has been far from peaceful? Not necessarily, though there have been some sad, bad, and murky moments over the last few months for all of us.

I’ve also struggled with the chronic health issues I suffer from, become frustrated, lost my patience, said hasty words I regret, and often been a pain to live with.

And I’ve not always had the calmest, most Zen-like approach to things. Being a Martha-inclined let’s-get-on-with-it kind of woman in a Mary-type body that needs to sit or rest for long periods each day hasn’t helped.

But one of the things I’ve learnt about peace is to seek it within the hardest and craziest of circumstances. To actively pursue it rather than accepting its absence. It’s more of a desperate treasure hunt some days but is certainly worth searching out.

“Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.”
— Psalm 34:14 NIV

Peace begins within, at the centre of your being. You experience it at the core, deep in your heart, like a still stream, a millpond of calm, where soft ripples gently flow through you and out to others.

Contrary to what we might think, peace isn’t a transitory emotional state or a delightful pausing place. It’s a Person, none other than Jesus Christ Himself. As you focus your thoughts on Jesus, so you will come to a restful place where His peace pervades your soul.

When we quieten ourselves before Him, we act like absorbent sponges ready to receive and leak peace to others. Peace envelops us in the form of a holy hug, a comforting warmth within. It is a freely given gift of grace available to all who put their faith and trust in Christ.

Peace doesn’t mean the absence of adversity. Far from it. Peace comes to us right in the middle of stress, muddle and mess, crisis and calamity, though we might not sense it there to start with.

But as we turn our hearts heavenward, we receive the comfort it offers us, a beautiful breath of love that lingers with a sense of calm contentment and equilibrium within our hearts. We bathe in the Holy Spirit’s presence and receive the gifts He brings us.

As you receive peace from God, allow it to permeate your soul, saturate your thoughts, and drive out despair. Holy Peace is freely available to all who look to Him when their lives need His calming, healing touch, and the renewal and restoration He offers us.

Our problems may persist but we have the peace, perseverance and patience to begin to overcome them by God’s grace. To rise above what seeks to pull us down. To live less frenetically in every way. And that’s not only a yearly goal but a lifetime possibility when we trust in God to help us achieve it. 🙂 ❤

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” — John 16:33 AMPC