Everlasting Peace

 

 

I make a conscious effort in finding and keeping peace within my spirit and around me. I can feel negative spirits fast and let me tell you, I try to avoid it at all cost. With everything that can and will take place in a day, it is easy to get angry, frustrated, speak ill will, and even want to physically harm someone. Go ahead and be honest. I know I am guilty. I can go back to childhood and fast forward to today, and see many areas where there was no peace. In doing so, I am reminded of all of the many, many blessings that God has placed in my life, and for those blessings, I am forever grateful.

In John 14:27 NLT, Jesus says this, I am leaving you a gift, peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives.

I spent many years self-medicating with alcohol and other substances. I had come to many close calls of my life being a vapor, either by my own choice or by getting to close to someone who meant me no good. I tried to fit into other people’s ideals as to who I was. I wanted to fit in to some groups that God clearly said, NO. There was a point in my life where I gave up. I wanting to die and be done with it all, but God. I even made one deliberate attempt at ending my life in 2007 after my oldest sister Leslie passed away, but God and the Holy Spirit was right there in my car as I travelled down a hill at over 70 miles an hour in a 35 miles an hour zone, heading for a cliff, yes I was there. Again, I have to say, but God. I felt unloved, unappreciated, not respected, and the list goes on as to all of the emotional destruction I inflicted on myself. I never thought myself to be pretty or even worthy, just okay. Oh, but God fixed that and let me tell you, low self-esteem is not in my vocabulary. I no longer look for validation or acceptance from anyone or anything thing for that matter. God and the amazing Iyanla Vanzant helped me with reconstructing my emotional house.

As I read God’s word, I am reminded and comforted. There are many who do not have a choice. Millions in the prison system are a prime example of those who do not have a choice or voice. There are many who are living free, but also living in emotional bondage. Domestic Violence is an example where often the woman’s voice and freedom have been stripped from her by an abusive mate. I have not heard of many instances where a male has been in this position, but I know it is possible. 

I have learned through much prayer and evaluation, that the road of life will be rocky with many potholes. The suspension we need is prayer and faith. Prayer that connects us to the Father, and faith believing that the Father will do just what He said he will do, give us peace of mind and of heart. With that, we must be prepared and in that preparation, we must be ready, willing, and with much ability, to withstand all that will come our way. Victory is in the believer. Power was given from our Victorious Lord and Savior.

You my brothers and sisters can have that same peace. You can make an active choice to either fall into the potholes, or hold firm to the steering wheel of God’s word regardless of what road you travel. You have been given authority to stand firm on the truth of God and the still waters of His ever present help. 

Take some time every day to see how you can walk in ultimate peace. Spend some time with yourself and in God’s word, the answers are there, He is waiting for you. God is willing and able, and you can rest assured that He will do just what He said He will do. The choice is yours to grab hold of all peace in your storm.

 

Be Blessed