Unfabricated Peace

In order to experience a peace that surpasses our understanding, we must recognize that the Lord is near. It is when we feel that we're alone, that we become anxious. When we deny the nearness of Jesus, we deny the unfabricated peace of the one who is peace.

I love what DJ said, "why pray when you can worry?" This is obvious. This is almost an insulting statement (insulting because that's what I end up saying). Obviously I don't want to worry. Yet, I still do. I have heard the solution. I have read it. I have studied it. But I still worry. I still feel anxious. I know that the the only way to rid myself of anxiety is to recognize the nearness of Jesus and to pray, but WHY DO I STILL WORRY? Honestly, it's frustrating that I know the answer, I know how to stop the stress, but I so often would rather live in worry. I would rather drain the energy by worrying, than be overwhelmingly full of the love, joy, and peace of Christ.

This weeks sermon reminded me that when I'm stressed, when I'm worried, I need to recognize the true nearness of Jesus in that moment. So simple, yet I continuously make it so complicated. Paul, while sitting in a jail cell, is able to talk about peace because he recognized the nearness of Jesus despite his circumstances. If Paul can experience this radical peace in the midst of circumstances that would seem appropriate for extreme stress, then I can do the same within my seemingly stressful circumstances.

Jesus, would you overwhelm me with your peace in a way that I can not deny your nearness. Allow me to recognize that in EVERY aspect of life, you are near. Thank you for your overwhelming love, joy, and peace. Thank you that you are truly near, so very near.