Monday, February 14, 2011

Peace in the Presence

The Oregon Coast is one of my favorite places in the world.  The weather can be intense, especially this time of year.  It's worth watching how creation merges together during a storm.  The sea and sky become one gray mass, the rain hits the crashing waves with a power that can't be duplicated at any water show, and the wind . . . well at times there seems to be no end to its fury . . . causing havoc with anything in its pathway.  And, then, without warning or seemingly any reason, the storm ends, and an unusual quiet settles in.  The thing is . . . the power is not only present . . . during . . . but after the storm.

Part of the reason I like to watch a storm is because I come to a greater realization that I need God.  The power in the storm is another reminder that I am not in control of this world, not even the space I reside in.  But.  The real lesson comes in the quiet after the storm, I am able to see the power that remains underneath.  At the time, the storm seems greater and more powerful than anything in its pathway.  Even so.  The calm . . . the peace . . . remains.  It was there and is there when the storm subsides.
The life lesson from the storms at sea is clear,  the peace of God is greater than any storm of life.  Power and peace are not commonly brought together in a sentence; however, there is more power in the peace of God than what we can possibly comprehend.  When the storms come, and they will, we can remain in the powerful peace of Christ.  
Consider.
Christ said, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the worlds gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 
What makes the peace of Christ change us in a storm? How is it possible to not have a troubled heart or not be afraid in the storms of life?
First of all, Christ made it clear that His peace is not anything the world can offer.   His peace comes from His presence, not our circumstances or abilities.  The presence of Christ . . .  is a gift of grace . . . not something we make happen . . . which is promised . . . to always be present.  Always.  So. Peace is as close as the presence of Christ.
The question remains.  How do we experience the storms of life without anxiety or fear? 
Stop.  Refuse to let anxiety or fear grip you.  Become aware of the presence of Christ.  Be mindful that your confidence is in Christ rather than any storm of life.  Accept the peace Christ offers you, which remains beneath you, anchoring you, empowering you to live beyond anxiety and fear.  Intentionally walk in the peace of Christ while the storm rages around you, it will shelter you, be your refuge, and be your strength.
Learning to Kickstart the day living in the peace that comes from the presence of Christ,
Kerrie


(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)
ESERVED)