Peace in the Light

As I go through the moments of each day, I sometimes think that I am just one step away from insanity. In idle seconds in the midst of little tasks, the sadness or confusion of life feels like a wave that could wash over me and sweep me away. Painful memories flash across my mind of difficult moments I have endured, and I must force myself to turn my gaze to a beautiful memory instead. Fears and uncertainties of tomorrow tangle my thoughts into endless circles, and I quell the terror with assurances that things always end up working out for my best—only because God makes it so.

I find myself longing for the day when all will be at peace and these dark thoughts will no longer crouch in the corners of my mind, waiting to overtake me. I have harbored the notion that at some mysterious point later in life, all conflicts become resolved and complete rest is possible...on this side of heaven.

Apparently, this absolute peace is not a point in time, but a state of being. Christ did say that He came to give us “peace that passes all understanding” and that “the world could not take it away”. Somehow, Lord, somehow we can be on the beach, IN the waves, and the sun (Son) can be so bright, that we do not even notice the waves. Oh God, that is my heart’s cry, that I could live my life so completely aware of your Son shining His love upon me, that I would have NO awareness of the dangers in the wind and the waves. So, I sing this song:

Lord, the light of Your love is shining

In the midst of the darkness shining

Jesus, light of the world, shine upon us

Set us free by the truth You now bring us

Shine on me, shine on me

Shine, Jesus, shine