Each night, before bed, I pray that the Lord will protect us during the night hours. Last night’s prayer was different. I was given the impression that I was to add something to my prayer in the form of a request. Knowing I am approaching the last lap of my earthly journey, I asked the Lord, “Is there anything more you want me to know before I complete my last lap?”
As soon as those words left my mouth, I heard the word “Peace” spoken to me. I felt the meaning of the word come alive in me. When the word was spoken, I also saw the word “Peace” written out before me in bold letters. My whole being was filled with its meaning.
What the Lord wanted for me was to experience His peace in all areas of my life, including my thoughts, the decisions I make, and the way I live out the remainder of my life. It was a profound answer to my prayer.
As we went to bed, I shared my prayer with Jan. She told me it reminded her of the Scripture where Solomon is asking God for what he needs to lead the nation. Solomon asked the Lord, “Give me an understanding heart” (I Kings 3:9).
The word “understanding” in that verse means to “hear with attention.” “Heart” has been defined as what is at the center of anything.” In other words, the peace of God that Solomon asked for would be at the center of every decision he would make. An understanding heart would help Solomon as he led the nation.
The peace of God gives us an understanding heart so we can navigate the events and relationships of our lives with greater clarity. For me, after serving God for so many years, I had to simplify my life to embrace God’s peace in a new way. That peace is not to be dismissed because of its simplicity, but be embraced so that my remaining days would be clear, simple, and focused on what matters most.
The Lord did not tell me to expand my education, gain more facts about life, deepen my ministry experience, or explore my gifting. It was the single word of “Peace” that would bring to me that “something else” I asked of the Lord when I began to pray last night.
I was to live and move within the peace of God that only the Prince of Peace can provide. Nothing we bring to the process of human accomplishments can add to that peace. It is His presence alone that we will gain that peace and live out its definition. It is available to all of us, no matter who we are or where we are on the timeline of our life experience. We just need to ask, and He will release His peace in our hearts.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Garris Elkins
Featured Image by Javardh on Unsplash
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