I got some heart-sore news this weekend that my precious 88 year old Granny is not doing very well. The diagnosis is not good at all and yet when I speak to her, I can hear that she has peace. This can only be because she truly knows her God. It is such an encouragement to me at this time as we face her mortality to be comforted by the peace that carries her. That's the thing about Jesus ... His peace is tangible. Today His words bathe my heart.
"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27
In my Bible this whole passage from verse 25-31 is marked as "The gift of His peace". This is how I know the reality of Jesus Christ being alive and present. His words spoken thousands of years ago are still relevant to what I am facing today. His Words and promises bring me comfort and encouragement. The very verses after the one I quoted above are a preparation to his disciples to prepare their hearts to "release him" to go to the Father. "You have heard Me say to you, 'I am going away and coming back to you'. If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said 'I am going to the Father', for My Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you will believe." (verses 28-29).
I am flying out on Tuesday to go spend a week with her. I find myself having to cling to these words of peace when I think about the emotions I will be faced with this week. How do you say goodbye to someone you love so dearly? I am comforted that just as Jesus prepared his disciples for His ascension into glory, so he is preparing my dear granny for her graduation and so is He preparing each of our hearts in this season.
How tangible is His love! It is real and available to carry each of us through every season that we will ever face. My heart is comforted today to know that He has each of our hearts in His hands and He is aware of all the different things that we are facing. He thinks of us and makes His love available to us. May you also find comfort in His promise of peace today.
"How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand: When I awake, I am still with You." Psalm 139:17-18.
Just like me, may you be reminded today that your heart is in a very safe place when it is held by the One who loves you.
All my love,
Janine
"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27
In my Bible this whole passage from verse 25-31 is marked as "The gift of His peace". This is how I know the reality of Jesus Christ being alive and present. His words spoken thousands of years ago are still relevant to what I am facing today. His Words and promises bring me comfort and encouragement. The very verses after the one I quoted above are a preparation to his disciples to prepare their hearts to "release him" to go to the Father. "You have heard Me say to you, 'I am going away and coming back to you'. If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said 'I am going to the Father', for My Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you will believe." (verses 28-29).
I am flying out on Tuesday to go spend a week with her. I find myself having to cling to these words of peace when I think about the emotions I will be faced with this week. How do you say goodbye to someone you love so dearly? I am comforted that just as Jesus prepared his disciples for His ascension into glory, so he is preparing my dear granny for her graduation and so is He preparing each of our hearts in this season.
How tangible is His love! It is real and available to carry each of us through every season that we will ever face. My heart is comforted today to know that He has each of our hearts in His hands and He is aware of all the different things that we are facing. He thinks of us and makes His love available to us. May you also find comfort in His promise of peace today.
"How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand: When I awake, I am still with You." Psalm 139:17-18.
All my love,
Janine
Comments
So very sorry to hear that your grandmother is not well. Praying that your time together is filled with God's peace and sweetness.
I will be praying for you.
Jo
Best,
Charlene (from Relax & Surf Hop)
www.beamingbalance.com
I'm sorry to hear about your gran. Hopefully i'll get to see you when you're here and give you a big hug. Thinking about you and praying for you and the family.
All My Love,
Nisha
I pray that your grandma comes through this one. You just never know. Those spirited old ladies can surprise us! May there be peace in her heart and yours whatever the outcome.
I so sorry to hear about your grandmother, but so thankful for her peace. You'll be in my thoughts!