Meghan and Asher Kazmann, Member, Lay Leadership Committee

John 14: 26-27 (NIV)
26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Reflection:
My family recently experienced the sudden and unexpected loss of my brother-in-law. In the days that immediately followed, I remember waves of visitors walking into our home, people aimlessly roaming from room to room, loads of mostly untouched food in foil containers, and mundane tasks started, but never finished. The days that followed were, in a word, unsettled. While each of our life experiences are different, almost everyone can relate to feeling unsettled amidst a wave of uncertainty, chaos, or hardship.

It was during this time that I realized I had to make a choice. I could rely on the shallow and fleeting comforts of the world or I could choose to trust God. I could choose to pursue his peace and pray unceasingly in the face of grief and uncertainty. While Jesus never promised we won’t experience trouble, he did say we don’t have to let our hearts be troubled. We can still experience calm and peace in our hearts during these troubled times. This peace comes from knowing God and trusting in God’s promises.

 You will keep in perfect peace
             those whose minds are steadfast,
 because they trust in you.

4 Trust in the Lord forever,
 for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

In Isaiah 26 we are promised a “perfect peace.” This doesn’t mean we should not expect trouble or chaos or grief. It also doesn’t mean that we can expect our unrelenting prayers to be answered on our terms. God’s promise of perfect peace means that our hearts and spirits can be upheld with God’s truth and the power of the Holy Spirit. When we fully embrace God and his promises, we can trust that he will give us a peace that will overcome the chaos of this world. God’s perfect peace is steadfast, unshakeable and the Rock eternal.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your promise of peace and stillness when my world is unsettled with grief and chaos. Please fill my heart with a deep and perfect peace that can only come from you.  Amen.