Peace in the Word

"And the peace of God 

which surpasses all comprehension,

will guard your hearts 

and your minds in Christ Jesus"

Philippians 4:7

One of my favorite things about God's Word is that it is timeless. We cannot just read it once, say we know it and call it good. Absolutely not. God continually uses His Word to speak into our lives at different times, because (let's face it) our lives are always changing, and therefore scripture is going to be relevant at different times.

This verse from Philippians is just that for me; a piece of scripture that I have  read and used as encouragement so many times, came alive to me this summer. If you don't recognize this verse as much, you probably know the one just before it:

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God"

Philippians 4:6

Paul wasn't kidding when he commanded this of us. Out of anyone, I feel like Paul would know first hand about enduring affliction and experiencing peace. There are times in our lives that God calls us to do something, go somewhere or live in a way that maybe we don't understand how it can benefit us. However, we must remember that God is God, and we are not. 

We all need to come back to Faith:

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,

the conviction of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1

As God called me out of a relationship this summer, I didn't understand. There were so many questions that came with the decision, but above all else there was a peace that surpassed all understanding. Up until this point, I did not fully understand this peace. But since God allowed His perfect peace to pour out over my life, I now know the feeling of being held by Him, and allowing Him to lead the next steps of my life. I have peace in waiting, and even in waiting patiently, for what He has next. I trust that God has the best plan, and the best timing.

Does this remove the difficulty of life? Not always. But it sure gives hope, and it even makes it a bit more bearable.

"If Your law had not been  my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them You have revived me."

Psalm 119:92-93

Jenna's Journal