Breathing in His Peace

By MaryBeth Eberhard

“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.” ~ John 14:27

Peace is an often misunderstood word in our culture. I say this as I sit on my front porch breathing in the scent of Spring lilacs and a soft Spring breeze. This moment feels very peaceful. And yet, why, when I step back into my home, where dishes, laundry, deadlines, and a chorus of Mom, can you help me, does that feeling dissipate so quickly? I think it’s because the peace that we crave is the peace for which we were created. We are just so easily placated with a glimmer of peace that this world offers.

“Not as the world gives…”

If this momentary breath of lilacs calms my soul, how much more will the breath of The Holy Spirit?

The peace that Jesus speaks about in this gospel is the peace that anchors the soul and binds us to heaven. It is the peace that in every storm, reminds us of who we are and whose we are. That peace is not fleeting. It is a living, steadfast gift, and when we cling to it, our hearts are drawn upward to a Lord who desires our good and advocates for us always.

So, when He reminds us not to be troubled and not to worry, it is because He is for us. He hears our hearts. He knows the intentions that we women carry. The peace he offers is healing. Living our life in this peace is a beautiful witness of evangelization.

As a homeschooling and working mom of eight kids, two in wheelchairs, I am often asked how I manage it. Recognizing the depth of grace offered in clinging to God’s peace is my answer. I cling to the heavenly rope of His peace that is offered every moment. In my strong and in my weak, His peace is there to calm us.

Prayer:

Lord, In the full and active days before us, help us to anchor ourselves to your heavenly peace. Draw our gaze to you and let all whom we encounter feel your peace.

Call to Action:

Step outside and give yourself a moment to breathe deeply of the peace that God offers you. Ask the Lord to let that singular breath be your anchor of peace for the day, tying you to Him in all things. As you exhale, may that breath out speak peace into all you see before you.

About the Author: MaryBeth Eberhard

MaryBeth Eberhard spends most of her time laughing as she and her husband parent and school their eight children. She has both a biological son and an adopted daughter who have a rare neuromuscular condition called arthrogryposis and writes frequently about the life experiences of a large family and special needs. Read more of her work at MaryBethEberhard.com.

One Comment

Mary Lina May 21, 2025 at 6:16 pm - Reply

🙏🏽Amen🙏🏽 Let us forever surrender all to You, Almighty God🙏🏽

Empowering women to work within their God-given gifts

Empowering women to work within their God-given gifts

Breathing in His Peace