I stood at a graveside service this morning in beautiful West Texas. The sun was out. It was chilly but there was no wind. There were lots of people I know and love standing around. I listened as the singer sang “Washed in the Blood.” It was so sweet and peaceful. Most people had on boots and jeans. No one was really dressed up. It was just a pretty typical West Texas graveside. But, while I was standing there, I thought about everything going on in our country and all the turmoil and all the hatred between political parties. All the accusations. No one knows where the truth is anymore! We just search until we find some authority who has said what we want to believe and we go from there.
But, I stood there in that peaceful moment and it occurred to me that I had found the peace. Yesterday, Wednesday, my heart was breaking as I watched everything play out. Yesterday, I was on my knees to my God begging for peace. Today, I found it.
Yes, the nation is still in an uproar. Yes, there are issues on both sides of the aisle. And yes, it will be necessary for Christians to pray now like never before for our country. But in that moment, where I found peace, the thought came to me that this peace was always available to me. I didn’t have to go to the cemetery and listen to music to find it. I just needed to find Jesus to find the peace for which I was searching.
Jesus says, in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” It was always right there. Then He goes on, in John 16:33, and says, “I have said these things to you that in Me, you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart. I have overcome the world.” Is there any better peace than that knowledge!
If you have put your trust in the Savior, the Prince of Peace, you have all you need. Surely, the world will continue to turn and their will be trials and problems, just like He said. But then He gives us the most amazing words to write on our hearts! “Take heart! I have overcome the world” Best words ever. And they are from the Creator of heaven and earth. The One who is ruler over all, offers us peace. Each day. All day. It doesn’t matter to Him who controls the House or the Senate or who the President is. He has overcome the world, and through Him, we can overcome whatever situation or dilemma we may be facing.
Praise God for His unbelievable gifts! His peace. His love. His power. It all makes all the difference we need today!
By: Gina Caswell Kelly
Photo by Ty Williams on Unsplash
