That peace

"Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. " Philippians 4:7 CEV

Seven years ago, at the age of 37, Julie Pannel was swimming with a friend, training for a triathlon. Fit as she could be, she never expected that she would almost die that day. But that's exactly what happened. Julie survived what's commonly referred to as a widow maker heart attack that, statistics say, kills 95% of those who experience it. And in those moments of distress which should have been extremely frightening, Pannell said, "I had Psalm 23 running through my head. The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want, and then, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. So I was just, you know, kind of had that peace of knowing God was with me and he was going to carry me through whatever the outcome was." 

Isn't it amazing how, in the midst of what should strike total fear, someone could be so calm? It truly defies reasoning doesn't it? But that's exactly the peace that those who "belong to Christ Jesus" can have in the midst of conflict and trouble. It's a "peace that no one can completely understand" because it cannot be explained. It simply defies logic because it's not found in the absence of burdens, suffering or difficulties but in the midst of them - it's a state of utter tranquility that allows us to "think and feel" in total contradiction to what our circumstances warrant. And it's a peace that "God will bless you with" when you decide to follow Him. 

So if you don't have that peace today, I urge you to seek it in the only One who can provide it. Seek the Lord my friend. You will be so glad you did.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious gift of knowing that You have been, are, and always will be in control - and for that, we have no need to worry. Help us to remember that no matter what happens to us here, we will one day spend eternity with You free from the pressures and the worries of this world. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

The peace of Christ - Tommy Walker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN9bEkGe6ss