Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
For Reflection:
Worry, fear, uncertainty? I’ve got this. I’m strong, capable, unbreakable. I have people in my corner. A good job. Food on the table. A roof over my head. Friends and family who love me. And yet, hard as I try to create my own peace and rewrite the reality of my life, the worry, fear and uncertainty that I work so hard to convince myself don’t exist, manage to insert themselves into all facets of this contrived reality.
Can you relate?
Am I perhaps less capable than I imagine? Less confident? Less indomitable? I reflect on Jesus’ words, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.” How can I possibly find such peace as this? Jesus’ words again speak clearly, “I do not give to you as the world gives.” Perhaps such peace can’t be found on our own. Perhaps what’s freely offered can only be accepted. But how? I feel like I should be doing something to create or at least earn such peace. As I pause and sit in this battle between my way and God’s way the word, release, comes to mind. “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Release your worries, your fears, your uncertainties. Release your grip, your need to be in control. Turn to me, refocus your gaze and receive my peace. I’m reminded of the hymn, “The Heavenly Vision", written by Helen Lemmel. The words wash over me, “O Soul are you weary and troubled?” followed by the promise: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”
Let us pray:
Lord thank you for giving me your promise of peace as I go about my day. Help me to recognize my need for you instead of always looking to myself for answers. As I refocus on you and release my fears and worries into your hands, help me to feel completely covered in your peace.
What things are keeping me from refocusing my gaze on you today?
What might it look like to release one (or more) of these things to you?