Peace Within

By Josephine Lim

This evening while walking home from work, I caught myself thinking and analysing lots of things while praying hastily. It dawned on me how often I have been like this without realising I’ve not been entirely at peace. I was task-oriented bound by what to do next and how to do it, etc so many things to be done and so little time. I spent most of the time pondering over things instead of just let my heart be still and at rest. Hence, I decided to calm down and let my heart and mind rest as I continue my walk home but this time in the rhythm of peace. I continue praying with peace in my heart and felt calmer and at rest. I then realised how often I have neglected the peace God has given unto us (John 14:27). How often I have deprived myself from experiencing this peace. As I allow the peace of the Lord to overwhelm my heart once again, I looked up and began to discover new things around me that I have not seen before.

Several times at work I decided postponing going to the restroom until I have completed certain task at hand but because I could not hold on any longer I had to quickly make a trip there and most of the time I would emerge with new creative ideas or being reminded of certain things I have forgotten or left out. Taking a break in between tasks or rest even just for a moment will do us good hence the same applies that we cannot neglect the importance of occupying our heart with peace and how much more the peace given by our loving Saviour.

When your heart is filled with the peace of the Lord it shows on your face. You are more confident, jovial, easy going, calm, alert, understanding, tolerant, patient, stronger, wiser and most importantly live longer and healthier. Proverbs 14:30 A heart at peace gives life to the body.

There is time for everything in life and at every moment we should learn to embrace it and live one moment at a time and one day at a time. There’s great tendency for us to get caught up by the fast pace world we live in and disregard the importance of operating and be led by the peace within us that keeps us sane and emotionally healthy and stable.

There is time to rest, time to eat, time to enjoy, time to love, time to speak, time to listen, time to work, time to sleep and time to be with family and friends. If our heart is not at rest and not operating in peace, there’s a tendency to jumble up everything and not embracing the moment entirely defeating the whole purpose of us doing what we are doing.

Without peace there will be chaos. When storm of life emerges, it’s no point being panic and troubled as it does us no good instead have a clarity of mind and decide to stay calm and be at peace. Quiet down our hearts and pray, the Lord will surely grant you deliverance and breakthrough in the way that only He knows how and hence you will go out with joy and be led forth in peace (Isaiah 55:12a). You shall surely see your prayers answered.

John 16:33 (Jesus said,) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

When you choose to be led by the peace of the Lord, you’ll find yourself at the right place at the right time, doing and saying the right thing at the right time of which able to impact and create a lasting impression on others.

Isaiah 55
11 so is My (God's) word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
12 You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.

Just thought of sharing this news with all of you be it related to the content of this email or not as I thought why not. Yesterday, my two friends Parul and Sarah tried their hands on archery and shooting hence discover their hidden talents as they surprised the volunteer police who gave them lessons. Parul was the only one among a hundred over people to successfully shooting down the squirrel board with air gun/rifle while Sarah’s arrows hit on the golden circle three times. They should be training for the next Olympics! I agree with the wise man who said, “You never try, you’ll never know.” Never let the voice around us and the voice inside of us tell us we can’t. If we never try, we’ll never know. Let this new year be a year where many of our dreams and prayers come true, in Jesus Name, Amen!

Have a Blessed New Year, my dear brothers and sisters!