Assurance of Peace
Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him for he shields him all day long,
and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders. Deuteronomy 33:12 (NIV)
ME: Jesus, I want to experience that kind of peace. Look at them! They are not bothered, worried or in a hurry. They are…just peaceful geese on a pond. They are taking in the view and seem so relaxed.
JESUS: What is keeping you from experiencing the same?
ME: Are you kidding? There is the Ukraine, a new COVID variant, gas prices and…
JESUS: Yes, I know but what is keeping you from feeling peace. You cannot do one thing to change any of those other things. The only thing of value that you can do is to spend time with Me and pray!
ME: Sometimes, I would just like to hear You whisper to my heart: “Relax, My child, I’m in control.” I want those words to wash over me like soothing ripples on that pond. I need assurance of Your endless Love.
JESUS: Are you telling Me I don’t tell you “I love you” enough? Now, it’s My turn to ask, “Are you serious?”
ME: No, no, it’s not like that! I am not feeling peaceful. I know in my head that You are Peace but somehow, I am not able to make the connection to my heart. Maybe I just need a little more reassurance.
JESUS: Precious child, I have done that for you through My living Word.
ME: I know! But, something in me is missing.
JESUS: Could it be your trust? Do you trust Me with all these problems that you listed?
ME: Yes, well sort of! Why is it taking so long to end this war? What if it goes beyond the Ukraine? What if…
JESUS: Relax, my child. I am in control. Not a tear is shed but what I don’t see.
ME: Jesus, I confess that I waste a lot of time and energy trying to figure things out before their time has come. All the while, You are working to prepare the way for me.
JESUS: This is very true! As you look ahead into the unknown future, you can relax in the assurance of who you are because of who I am—the One who loves you.
ME: Thank You for Your promise that You are never going to leave me or any of Your followers alone—no matter what! What would I do without You? You fill my heart with joy and my mind with peace.
JESUS: Good! Now go and share it.
Photograph: Michael Johnston