Peace, Unexpected

Have you ever searched for something you wanted, and found it came unexpectedly?

We'd set up our tiny camping trailer at the edge of the forest. A pristine, dark blue lake lay just a stone's throw from our front door.

"May'be you'll find what you're looking for," my husband said, patting my hand. 

I sucked in a breath of cool air. "I hope so," I replied.

But doubt and worry entered. Such intruders--they ruin everything. My life was not catastrophic. But mole-hill worries about work, finances, raising children, and aging parents grated at me daily. I wasn't going to find peace this way.  

That night after my husband and our daughters fell asleep, I lay awake in the darkness for a long time. Same old worries for this insomniac. Where are you, God? I've been praying...

I finally slept, but awoke at 2:30a.m. With no bathroom in the trailer, I would have to go outside. In the dark. In the forest. Scary. I pulled the covers back over my head. What might be lurking out there?   

Gathering courage, I grabbed a flashlight, and slid on tennis shoes without laces. I took in a deep breath, turned the latch on the door, and stepped outside.  

I couldn't believe my eyes. This was unexpected. No flashlight needed. The forest floor and the entire length of the lake was flooded with bright light. I'd never seen such a huge yellow-orange moon lay so low on the horizon, that its edges appeared to rest upon the tree tops and mountain ridges.   

I stood in awe of the beauty surrounding me. Then words came to my heart:
"See My Peace."
 
God had spread a blanket of peace over His creation--and that included me. Every worry I'd had seemed to suddenly dissipate into the air; this peace was too powerful for such things. This was a powerful, beautiful, all-encompassing kind of peace, soaked in God's light and in His love. I wanted to bask in it forever.

Sometimes we need reminders that God is with us. For me, this was one of those times. I had prayed for peace--and God answered. 

Worries can be mole-hills--or mountains--but whatever the trouble, seek God. And see His peace!  

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Jesus Christ." - Phillippians 4:7 

    

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