When I think about peace, the first place that comes to mind is the home across the street from the home in which I grew up. When I was growing up, I spent countless hours at Miss Betty‘s house. Whether or not she had aromatic candles burning, her home always had a soothing fragrance. It was not uncommon for me to go visit her – and then fall asleep on her couch. Once, I even fell asleep in the middle of a conversation with her. She let me sleep and went about her business. There was always the cozy feeling of a fireplace and a good book in her home – even in the middle of summer with the sun bursting in the windows. She is incredibly hospitable and she wants the Lord to minister peace and rest to all people who come into her home. Countless times I have gone into her house with the weight of the world on my shoulders only to feel the weight lifted simply by walking in her door. The peace in her life spills onto those who are around her. This is the kind of peace I want… this is the kind of peace that makes a house a home.
When you meet someone who has peace in their lives, they are usually the ones who have learned to trust God with everything – even their very lives. Trusting in God and receiving peace from God fit hand in hand. I Peter 5:6-7 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” (ESV) What peace it brings to know that the Creator and Controller of the universe cares for us individually!
Additionally, Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “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.” (ESV) When we can finally say and mean, “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him;” (Job 13:15) then we will experience and comprehend true peace. When we have hope in Christ, we know everything will be okay – even if He takes our lives, we have Heaven in our future.
When Eric and I began dating (after being friends for over a year), I had incredible peace about our relationship. It was something I had not experienced in other relationships. When we disagreed, or when he unintentionally hurt my feelings, I still had peace surrounding me. As all fathers should do before walking their daughters down the aisle, my dad asked me if I was completely sure I wanted to get married to this man. Thankfully, I had complete peace and confidence that God had led Eric to find me and that His favor was going to be on our marriage. His peace allowed me to walk down the aisle with confidence.
Has God given you peace about pursuing marriage with the person whom you are dating? Is there evidence of peace in this person? Does he or she cast his or her cares on God – or are those anxieties kept? We all have our moments of weakness, but is peace something he or she pursues? Those walking in the Spirit will have the fruit of peace in their lives and this will be an abundant blessing to their marriage.
Eric and I do not have a perfect relationship; but, we both have the peace of God. Knowing that the Lord is sovereign over our lives and marriage brings ease to our minds. Talk to a few people this week who know you well and ask them if, and how, peace is evidenced in your life. The heavy responsibility of “making this marriage work” does not fall on our shoulders as we know that if we put our trust in Him continually, He will guide us in our relationship.
How does peace play a role in your relationship?
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