Peace is my Governor
Yesterday, I spoke about the “default settings” in electronics. We also have default settings and the ideal ones are having gratitude and the Fruit of the Spirit.
A couple of days ago, I walked into a room and a situation that caused me to do an about-face. I was about to react negatively, but instead I turned and went home. I sensed my “peace” was about to depart. Peace isn’t just one of my default settings. It is my #1 desired setting at a moment’s notice. I’ve required myself to live in the “Peace Zone” for years. In fact, MyPeaceZone.com is the name of my website and this daily blog.
But more than a default setting, I’ve amped up what peace is to me. Peace is my “governor”. A governor is a device that automatically regulates the supply of fuel, steam, or water to a machine, ensuring uniform motion or limiting speed. I’ve applied that “device” to my own way of thinking and I’m requiring “peace” to be MY governor.
When I started blogging years ago, back when it would have seemed I had every right in the world to be in turmoil, anxious and afraid, I remembered my mom’s coping mechanism that was God’s peace. I started blogging and, not only have I experienced inexplicable peace during the worst of times, but I’ve been able to pay it forward and convey to others how they, too, can live in peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:6).
That peace has been my dearest ally and friend for many years. When I wake in the morning, I know peace is with me. When I go to bed at night, I determine to not watch the evening news or some horror flick. I go to bed with peace. When I wake in the middle of the night and turmoil tries to overwhelm me, I go to the scripture “Him I will keep in perfect peace whose mind is STAYED on Me.” (Isaiah 26:3) If I encounter conflict in the lives of others, I’ll steer clear of that conflict at all costs.
I know that peace is God’s will. That heavenly peace is a state of absolute tranquility during what could be the worst situation. It is comfort when life is extremely UN-comfortable. Fear can be lurking behind every corner, but a state of peace looks at fear and laughs at it. I love that verse in Proverbs 31:25 “She laughs without fear of the future.” That peace isn’t something that comes and goes — depending on our circumstances.
The peace I’m talking about is the GOVERNOR of our lives. This kind of peace should always GOVERN our lives in all things. When the things of life disturb us — that stack of bills, a negative health report, the troubled relationship, anxious feelings of our own inadequacy — is when we need to submit to the Governor of peace.
Here’s the good news: We can have that kind of peace. Jesus told His disciples, “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.” John 14:27.
The peace Christ gives is fully satisfying. It’s peace of mind, heart, body, and soul. It is contentment knowing that no matter what happens, we are in the care of the Almighty. “The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)