Don't Squander the Wander!

Gifts. Presents. Awards. Well wishes. A long career met with a tribute for the ages. Our announcement of job retirement is filled with great goodbyes and hugs and love, and we proclaim our bucket list as we ride into the sunset to chase our dreams.

Well, sometimes.

Other times, life continues to happen, and the unexpected background scenario becomes the forefront reality before that shiny plaque is hung on the wall. The dream of simplicity is replaced with the shuffle of struggle. Surprise! Too late to turn back now. This is the new path. Embrace it and take the next step, and then the next, and the next. Now, we may walk more like Time Conway’s old man comedy sketch shuffle than the spry speed walker of our youth. But hey, forward is forward, no matter the speed.

Life is funny that way. We can wait and plan and save and dream for that perfect moment. That spectacular day when we shout “peace out” to the workplace and all the drama. We have it all figured out. Then God laughs. Not a mocking cackle, but a sweet loving giggle, as a Father looks at His own and says I’m right here with you. With eyes full of love, and arms ready to hold us tight.

Oh, dear child, if you could only see the whole story. Your whole story. So much more awaits. But don’t worry. I’ve got you. In the palm of My hand. Nothing can snatch you from My love and protection. My peace.

God is not unaware of our struggle, whether we are still in the folly of youth, or if we are at the crux of a life beyond the workplace. He knows we are stronger than we ever imagined. He knows we are able to rise above so much more adversity than we realize. He gives us a hope and a future.

And peace.

Might I suggest that peace is the key to this whole thing called life?

Not the hippie dippie peace that is just a clouded hazy counterfeit. True peace.

God gives it freely. Jesus promised it. We have it!

Jesus Himself proclaimed “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27, NIV)

So much truth in this one verse. Not only did Jesus know we would need peace, but He leaves it with us. Through the Holy Spirit. Jesus freely gives this peace. The peace of God isn’t going to run out any time soon. No shortages or supply chain issues. He knows we need it, and the Peace Giver, more than we could imagine.

Before we know we need it, God gives. Freely. To all who ask. Seek. Knock.

I think it is significant that Jesus also acknowledges this holy peace is different than the world’s idea of peace. The peace Jesus gives is pure and holy and true and right. And effective. Not some playground truce. Or a world leadership summit with handshakes and treaties. Certainly not through agreements that ignore the truth of God on all levels. Such things are built on man’s limits, and in turn don’t seem to last. Jesus’ peace is permanent, lasting, and true.

This godly peace Jesus promises only comes through our complete surrender to the Peace Giver. He gives, but we accept as we accept Him. We tap into this peace by cultivating a relationship with Jesus, and embracing the Holy Spirit’s presence and comfort in our lives.

Notice, Jesus reminds us that this world will leave us full of fear and troubled with anxiety and such. But as His peace is given, those fears and troubles are silenced to a distant muffled fog because the peace of God that fills us reminds us it is well. With our soul. No matter what. Because, Jesus.

As He is talking to His disciples, knowing full well they would soon look around and wonder where He was, Jesus gives this promise. To them, and to us.

I’m here. Peace is with you. Don’t be troubled.

It’s gonna be okay. You’ll get through this. We will get through this. Together.