Peace

The sun sets behind trees of an unfamiliar landscape outside my window.  The scene is absolutely breath-taking.  Every color, each leaf, even the shadows overwhelm my senses.  To be overwhelmed by Abba in this moment is comfort as I mentally lift my Shield against fresh thoughts tempting to overwhelm my spirit. 

I turn to my left.  The man who should be standing and sharing this view with me, the man who has shared my bed for 22 years now lays in his own—eyes closed for a bit of rest before the next nurse comes in to check his vitals or take more blood.  I fight the urge to panic as the surreal moment fails to wrap itself around my mind.  I whisper out loud, “I don’t have to understand it all, I just have to trust You.”  After many repeated whispers, the blood pounding in my ears lessens. 

Peace! 

More scary, doubt-filled thoughts rise.  The Shield rises to meet them . . .

“Do not be afraid, keep believing” Mark 5:36. 

“Those who know Your name trust You, for You, Lord, have never abandoned those who seek You” Ps 9:10. 

“Be still and know that I am God” Ps 46:10. 

Once again I turn to the view outside the hospital window fully reminded of Who holds me, Who holds my husband, Who holds my children . . . Who holds my future.  

This kind of peace is not manufactured by effort of will. 

This peace is Divine—and the Divine is mine!  

I raise my eyes toward the mountains.

Where will my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,

The Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to slip;

Your Protector will not slumber.

Indeed, the Protector of Israel

Does not slumber or sleep.

The LORD protects you;

The LORD is a shelter right by your side.

The sun will not strike you by day,

Or the moon by night.

The LORD will protect you from all harm;

He will protect your life.

The LORD will protect your coming and going

Both now and forever.

Psalm 121