I heard it again. The word “peace” has been all over the place lately. I heard it in a sermon in November and another in December. It was in the lyrics of a song just the other day. And obviously, it was pervasive all through the holidays. Actually, there have been several words that seem to be as loud to my heart as a red traffic light is bright in the midst of a dark night. Those words have been “wait” “hope,” “rest,” “content,” and “peace.” How hard it is to not only hear those words, but to actually apply them!
I have a feeling that you know what I mean. The festivities of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and ringing in the New Year have come to an end for most of us. Long gone are those beautiful reds, yellows, and oranges of the fall trees, and the brilliant, twinkling lights on our Christmas trees, and the shiny streamers that fell at midnight of January 1st. Decorations are being put away gradually, and the newness of all the toys, clothes, and whatever else we received as gifts this year begins to wear off a little bit. This is the time of year that, in my mind, goes with the lyrical reference of “the bleak midwinter.” Things could tend to feel sad, maybe even hopeless, or perhaps, this is the season to really quiet down and listen and watch for what is yet to come.
But there’s a balance, isn’t there? There must be a way to get away with the One who is the Prince of Peace, the One who can renew our hearts and minds as we take every thought captive and turn every worry to praise. And then, we must be active in our faith, living out the hope that we claim to have. I love the passage from Romans 8:18-28 that helps express this. It talks about how all creation waits for the fullness of God’s purposes, plan and glory to be revealed in us. It’s like a pregnant women who gets bigger while the baby is inside and then groans as she is delivering the long-awaited child. The New Life version says, “How can a man hope for something he already has? But if we hope for something we do not yet see, we must learn how to wait for it.” We’re not just idly sitting by, but learning a skill of waiting.
Believe me, I have personally been wrestling with this! I know what I don’t know, and that is how to rest well. I enjoy being productive, and I am a self-proclaimed “recovering perfectionist.” I like to maximize my resources and get a lot done, and I love when others can enjoy how much I work to bless them or empower them to do what they are gifted to do. But recently, my life has been filled with some major changes – an out-of-state relocation, a change of career, and living with extended family until my immediate family has our own house. Talk about a need for some space!
What I do know is that God called me and my family to step into this direction, even if all of the pieces don’t make sense from the world’s perspective. I am grateful for His amazing provisions. I am trying not to complain (too much). Most of all, I am learning to find rest while I’m waiting, because I know that God has something to teach me now before He moves me on to whatever is next. It’s character building during the “wait and see” period. It’s the peace that comes from the Holy Spirit in me, because it’s a fruit that will bear out. Admittedly, I’m REALLY looking forward to March Retreat this year. When the team decided on the theme being “Rest, Renew, Revitalize”, I had no idea how personal that message was going to be. Whether or not you get to join me there in a couple of months, I pray that God will be speaking to your heart about how much He loves you, so that you can endure the struggles of life through the peace that passes all understanding.
Jesus,
How wonderful you are to give us all that we really need! Forgive us for getting upset and impatient, when we have to wait to see that which we believe is yet to come. Strengthen our faith and continue to pour out Your peace, so that we will be content in whatever circumstances we are in and so others will see You at work in our lives and give you praise. Thank you for loving us and for wanting us to spend time with You, so that we will be renewed in the things you have gifted us to be and do.
In Your powerful and peaceful name,
Amen!