In a world full of abundant peace that Jesus gives, we sometimes go through bouts of the 'absence of peace.' This absence can last for just a moment, or even stretch for days to years... I pray that you never continuously experience the absence of peace because there is so much PEACE for everyone to have peace, in-spite of the circumstances we encounter each day.
Self-reflection this morning. For a while I have been able to sleep pretty soundly and peacefully. That makes waking up a joy when you are rested. That was not the case last night. Thankfully, I am awake and still inspired to write. Some people have many reasons for not being able to sleep through the night, or sleep at all. What's your reason? For me, last night was the absence of peace, aka WORRY/ANXIETY/FEELING BAD.
Worry about an upcoming assignment I have, anxiety about doing well, and feeling bad about being easily offended and not acting in a Christ-like manner. All that makes a recipe for disaster, called lack or insufficient sleep! Added to those emotions was the deafening silence of the night. (Mind you, I used to sleep very well in dead silence, in fact, I preferred silence. But with the loud noise of your thoughts going back and forth in your head/mind, that doesn't work as well.) So, to resolve the absence of noise, I turned on the fan heater and reminded myself that tomorrow has its own worries so pondering on what I haven't done or need to do will not change anything except cause lack of sleep. I prayed myself to sleep... best medication I know!
Somehow, I couldn't wait to wake up so when my alarm rang, it was a relief that the "ordeal" of the night was over. Today is a new day so I get to choose the abundance of peace and joy; and not to be easily offended. The word says, blessed is the man who overlooks an offense--it is to his glory. Jesus said: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27). Whatever causes your absence of peace--serve it notice! You can't undo yesterday, today is a new day.
"Now may God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace as you believe, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13) There's an abundance of peace... let not your heart stay in the land of drought with the absence of peace. Grab peace daily and top it off with joy!
