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Peace That Surpasses All Understanding

"You look so peaceful," one of the women at my Bible study complimented.

That was the second time in two days that I had been paid this rather odd compliment. I found it rather amusing, considering by nature I am NOT calm or peaceful. By nature, I'm a hot mess. Chaos and craziness seem to be a recurring theme in my life, and I usually feel anything but peaceful. 

Yesterday was my first day at a new store. I was a jittery mess during my morning commute. I felt silly being so nervous. Get a grip, girl, I coached myself. You shouldn't be this anxious; you've survived much worse. I didn't know what to expect. I was about to be out of my comfort zone with a new boss and new coworkers. Taking in a deep breath, I stepped out of my car and simply said, "Help." Almost instantly, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. 

Despite the fact that my first day was crazy and full of crashing computers, I was somehow able to keep my cool and work calmly. One of my new coworkers commented, "You're awesome. You're just so... calm."

That, my friends, was nothing short of a miracle. I have dealt with stomach-wrenching anxiety for years. Fear has been a #1 plague in my life. I was terrified of so many things. Now, after feeling like I have survived hell, I feel a new boldness that I've never had before. I have a Peace that surpasses all understanding. 

Fear no longer controls me.

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you. For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.” (Psalm 56:3-4, 10-13 ESV)




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