REFLECTIONS

Peace of God

Maybe it happens only once in a lifetime. For some, maybe it never happens at all. But if it ever happens to you, you’ll want it to last a lifetime. The peace of God, that is.

Night had fallen outside my hospital window, but from the hallway enough light invaded my room to confuse the time of day. But stillness like a warm blanket enveloped it with the presence of peace.

It is ever-present, you know. Peace.

For some reason we seem to resist it. We feel more comfortable when activity or noise locks it out. Maybe though, stillness and silence aren’t required for peace.

Peace finds its way when we find ourselves alone in a forest listening to leaves rustle through the trees; and when sitting by a stream splashing down a rocky hillside; or when feeling the rhythm of ocean waves splash onto a lonely beach. Peace.

While all alone that night I don’t remember silence. I only remember God’s presence—no one else. “It’s just you and me, Lord,” I prayed. And oh, the peace that fell over the room! No worries. No fear. God’s warm, loving hands held my life. No matter the outcome of tomorrow’s surgery, I would be okay. Peace.

In but a few days I’ll face the surgeon’s table again, only this time with more time to think about it. Only hours separated my first surgery from diagnosis to scalpel. This time weeks have passed. Anticipation weighs heavier. But like the first surgery, I feel no fear of the outcome. The surgeon’s skill will remove the cancerous cells that mysteriously found their way into my lung. It’s pain from the wounds I fear. Like Jesus facing the cross.

Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me,” he prayed while the likes of blood seeped from his brow, “yet not my will, but yours be done.” I feel inclined to pray that prayer too except for my memories of peace. The peace of God. Its presence passes all understanding and exceeds my meager abilities to describe. Peace of God.

It’s something to pray for.

“You are the light of the world,”

Richard +

www.reflectingthesavior.org

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