Something I’ve been struggling quite a bit with lately is the pursuit of deep, genuine peace. Such serenity is hard to achieve. One reason I think it’s difficult to experience the complete fullness of peace is that it has to be observed from three perspectives to be felt in its entirety. Let me explain…

WE MUST MAKE PEACE WITH OUR PAST

Our pasts can hold beautiful memories, but they can also serve as sources of regret and pain. As imperfect people, each of us has a trail stretched behind us that is marked with mistakes. We have two choices here, we can either learn or linger. Lingering holds us captive to all the things we cannot change. It’s the learning that produces peace in this area. Forgive yourself and others just as God, through Christ, has forgiven you.

WE MUST SEEK PEACE IN THE PRESENT

Sometimes, current situations are of our own devices. Sometimes, we lack all control over where we are planted. While it is important to grasp the ‘why’ of where we are, it is equally imperative to understand God’s will in how to navigate with a spirit of obedience. Aligning ourselves with the steps of the Spirit through prayer, Scripture, and a desire for wisdom will bring about peace in the present.

WE MUST RESIST a future-focused peace

This is the hardest area for me personally. I find myself merely tolerating all that ‘was’ and ‘is’ in order to imagine a better ‘could be.’ Do you do this too? This is that constant state of “I’ll find peace when I finally (fill in the blank).” While it is perfectly healthy to long for peace in the days to come, we have to be careful not to constantly chase after the potential promise of the future at the expense of experiencing joy in the now.

Friends, I hope this post encourages you. I hope it shows you that you are not alone in your prior angst, in your present agenda, and in your future anticipation. Keep your eyes on Jesus and, through his strength and mercy, you will be able to forgive, accept, and persevere with a peace that passes all understanding.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

-Phillipians 4:7 (NIV)-