By Kimberly LeDoux

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace…” ~ Ephesians 2:13-14

Rush, Rush, Rush

Peace can be difficult to come by in our world today, whether it’s looking at the chaos that exists all around me, locally or globally or the hustle and bustle of the everyday grind that keeps me in constant motion.  Whether physically or mentally (oftentimes both), it is not uncommon for me to have days that creep up on me, which results in burn-out exhaustion.  I start my day with the best intention: to be better than yesterday and to further myself for the sake of God’s purpose.  As the day goes on, the annoyances, interruptions, frustrations, struggles, and pains pile up, and I find myself ready to be done with the day by noon. 

Slow Down and Listen

It is precisely in those moments, however, that I find the Lord gently calling me back to Him.  I find myself recognizing that He never wants me to live beyond my abilities.  He calls me to rest in Him.  He calls me to peace.  Why is it so easy to forget to slow down? When I actively seek the Lord, day in and day out, how does it get away from me so quickly that I seem to lose the peace that I know only comes from Him?  It is at the breaking point that I hear the Lord reminding me once again that I have relied too heavily upon myself and not nearly enough on Him. 

It is precisely through the cross that he reconciles us to Himself—whether we are near or far off.  I see myself in both groups.  Just as I can look at the whole of my life and see that I started off so near and found myself so very far off until I finally heard His voice calling me back again, so too can I see a congruency to my daily life.  I can start my day off quite near and find myself so far off as the day goes on. 

Open Your Heart

Our Father is very patient with us, gently calling us back to Him each moment we may stray, whether in a big way that spans years or even a little bit in moments throughout the day.  And as He gently brings me back in, and as I open my heart to Him and give Him all my brokenness, offering Him the cross I carry, He replaces my burdens with that peace which surpasses all understanding.  The cross somehow feels lighter with the peace that God gives me if only I remember to open my heart to Him and trust Him.

What a mysterious and beautiful gift our faith is.  It is an ever-hopeful realization that God is ready for us, no matter what state we are in, no matter how far off we have strayed.  He is ready and patiently waiting for us to return to His merciful love, and when we do, he grants us the gift of His deep and true peace.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the peace you grant me, which surpasses all understanding.  In the midst of my trials, you are ready to comfort me and give me rest. If only I could remember to reach out to you for help.  Please help me and all those who seek you with a sincere heart this day and each day to rely upon you for the peace that we so frequently need.  I ask this through your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen. 

Call to Action

The next time you find yourself burnt out, frustrated, tired, or pained, stop for a moment, offer your suffering to the Lord, and ask Him for His peace.  Take a breath or step away, even for a moment, and receive the peace the Lord wants to give you.  And repeat. 

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