Well, it was one of those nights…hard to sleep, too much on my mind and slightly anxious about the busy weeks ahead.
My stomach turned, seemingly without end. Eventually, I started praying and after a while, I drifted off to sleep.
It was a night of crazy, adventurous, and to be honest, stressful dreams (about mountain lions, Ivan the gorilla, and hiking). I woke up once again without peace. Ryan could feel the tension immediately when we spoke. He knows me too well for me to hide it.
Note: The above podcast episode is based on a previously written blog post. So, feel free to listen above or read on below. Either way, we hope it blesses you!
How quickly a bad night’s sleep can translate into our marriages! Thankfully, I have a very understanding and supportive husband who allows me to vent (a bit) and after walking the dogs and settling into my morning cup of tea, I dove straight into John 14.
The book of John has kept me captivated for the last month or so. Talking about abiding in God; how we are the branches and HE is the vine – our Source and Provider. Truly, God’s Word is alive!
John 14:26-27 (ESV) “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to you remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
I can honestly tell you last night I was wrestling with a troubled heart. Thoughts circled in my mind and kept me from getting the sleep I so desperately need.
Maybe this is my own personal turmoil, but no doubt you have your own set of evening ponderings and questions that circle around in your mind.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”
Understanding the peace of Jesus and how different it is than the peace of this world is powerful. The Hebrew word for “peace” in this passage is shalom. I love my ESV Study Bible and the notes it has at the bottom. This really ministered to me and I hope it does to you:
“The expression peace (Hb. shalom) had a much richer connotation than the English word does since it conveyed not merely the absence of conflict and turmoil but also the notion of positive blessing, especially in terms of a right relationship with God (and also as a result, the idea that ‘all is well’ in one’s life). This may be manifested most clearly amid persecution and tribulation.”
Amen!
Peace from Jesus is available to us no matter what we are facing. As children of God, we can have peace in the midst of trials -we can have peace when it doesn’t make sense.
No matter what sort of turmoil you’re facing with your spouse or personally, grab a hold of the peace of Jesus. Let his peace fill your heart and your mind. He’s given it to you, all we have to do is reach out and take it; live in it and praise him for it.
Take a moment today and pray (alone and with your spouse) for peace in the areas that you’re stressing about. God cares, He loves you and He wants you to have peace in every circumstance.
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