Biblical Transformation Series – Finding that Elusive “Perfect Peace.”

True confessions – I had to check the use of the words “illusive” and “elusive” when coming up with this title.  My intent was to describe something that wasn’t easy to nail down.  But let’s look at the definitions of both words.

According to Merriam-Webster’s website, “Something that is elusive avoids being caught, either physically by someone pursuing it, or mentally by someone trying to understand it. Something that is illusive is based on an illusion, on something that is not true or real.”

That made me question whether EITHER definition might be appropriate as we look at this phenomenon!  If you’ve never found perfect peace, it would absolutely feel illusive; it’s truly an illusion for you, and not something to strive for since it’s apparently not real.

But I want to move anyone from “illusive” to “elusive” to “experiential.”  In short, I want this post to give you hope that you can truly experience God’s peace in the midst of the chaos and heartache and hopelessness of this world, and perhaps your life.  I don’t want it to be simply an illusion.  And I don’t want you to feel like you are constantly striving after it.  (Although I admit, sometimes I feel like that’s what I do!)

One more note before getting into the meat of this topic.  Before I started the series, I jotted down a few ideas that I thought might be topics we could explore.  And as you may recall, I was really fearful that God wouldn’t give me any insights along the way.

Of the three topics we’ve looked at so far, the ONLY one I covered that was on my original list was loneliness.  These past two weeks have been on ideas that God has, once again, placed on my heart to share with you.  So of course my fears of God not showing up were completely unfounded…again!

So, let’s get to it!

I want to start, as I always do, with some scriptures that speak into this topic.  Then I’ll share a personal experience of finding that perfect peace.

The one that jumps to mind immediately is from Isaiah 26:3, and I use the old King James Version because that’s how I originally memorized this verse, and because there’s such a beauty to this version.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Have you noticed what ISN’T included in this formula for perfect peace?  Anything earthly.  No possessions. No relationships. No experiences. No self-determination.  The ONLY way we arrive at this perfect peace is through God working in us and giving us HIS peace.

Coincidentally (or not…), he is also the one he helps us focus our thoughts on him, and learn to trust him through all things.

Here are a few more that I return to OFTEN:

• I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).  Seriously, this has become my life verse for this season!  Talk about a roller coaster verse!  God gives us his peace.  Then he guarantees we WILL have trouble.  Then he assures us of his eventual triumph.
• Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). As believers, we SO long for this kind of peace.  The kind that we simply can’t comprehend.  That’s how we know it comes from God.
• But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, PEACE, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).  This reminds us, once again, that God’s Spirit living within us is the only sure way of finding that peace.

And you know I’ll also give you that big, long list of “peace scriptures!”  Sit quietly with your favorite beverage, ask God to speak to you through them and then read them through, out loud if your circumstances allow.  I truly believe you’ll be amazed at what God will do.

So now onto the story.  I need to take you back to November 2016.  Dale and I had moved from the acreage into our home in Urbandale.  His dementia had worsened to the point where I was seriously concerned about the safety of us both.  I’ll save the “Please God, don’t let the house blow up” story for another day.

After a long, arduous, disappointing search, God had finally opened up the door to the perfect solution for an assisted living facility for Dale.  There was zero question in my mind that this was the right decision.  But I was terrified of telling Dale what I’d been up to.  It had all been done in secret so that I didn’t take him on the roller coaster ride with me.

I waited until after his November birthday and then knew that I had to talk with him.  My heart was breaking that the situation had come to this point. I was dreading his reaction because, honestly, who wants to make a move like that?

The morning came when I knew I had to talk to him.  I was nearly paralyzed with fear and my whole body, inside and out, was literally shaking!

So, I took a step back and asked myself, “Is this the state of mind that God would want me to have? Have I completely forgotten his promise of never leaving me or forsaking me?”

Busted!  I went to our bedroom, sat in my recliner, and opened up my Bible to the Psalms.  And I just started reading. Verse after verse after verse spoke directly into my fears and trepidation.  It’s like the voice of God was reading His Word to me.  I guess, in essence, that’s EXACTLY what it was.

And then it began to happen.  Slowly at first, but then decisively, my shaking quieted, my fears dissipated, and I experienced the miracle of God’s “perfect peace.”

It’s NOT illusive!  It’s real!  And it went from being elusive to being one of the most impactful moments in my life.  What do I do when I question God’s ability to bring me peace?  This is where I go.  Back to this moment over four years ago.

The rest of the story is too long to share here, but I’ll tell you that shortly after I had this “impossible” conversation, Dale said to me, “Well, if that’s what I have to do.”  And a month or so after his move, he told me, “This is the right place for me.”

Brings me to tears even now.  God IS a God of perfect peace!  He can be that for you, too.

But you won’t find it if you haven’t surrendered your life and your will to Jesus.  That’s the first step. Then trust him to do the work in you. Remind yourself as many times as necessary (I still do) that he can give you his peace in the midst of your turmoil.

I end again with a couple of verses from another favorite song, “It Is Well with My Soul.”

When peace like a river attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll,

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say

It is well, it is well with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight.

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll.

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend.

Even so, it is well with my soul.