“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV).
It is the day before New Years Eve, and all through the house it is crazy! Our tree is still up, but boxes are out to put part of the Christmas decorations away. I am writing a grocery list, and coupons and paper inserts are spread out over the table. My poor husband is looking for files that will help him find out why the furnace is acting up, while he also fielding phone calls about updating our insurance!
Both of our college kids are home and are watching, yes, SpongeBob SquarePants. But underneath the noise and mess of family living is a sense of immense blessing. Last year was full of upheaval as an unexpected move hit us in mid-July. It sent us to a church much farther from our college kids, and a new sense of empty nest. My daughter and I had to learn to communicate via Facebook, and cell phone when I was in town; as cell phones don’t reach our rural area with many hills. We are blessed. We have a parsonage, 2 country churches, and a healthy family.
But this year we face many unknowns. Finances are rough, and my illness has taken a new turn. Although my faith is big, my fears can be also. It is still hard and at times upsetting to live with my wheelchair. I can still walk some, with the aid of a cane. But for how long? Many unknowns ahead, for all of us!
As I was preparing my heart for the New Year, I spent a good bit of time flipping through my older Bible and reading highlighted and underlined verses. My heart was needing comforted. I needed to remember that He who led us safely through many years of Ministry, would continue to take care of us and lead us home.
Jesus Christ Himself said, “Peace I leave with you, peace I give to you…” The dictionary describes peace as a sense of calmness, tranquility. My Bible dictionary added the word serenity. “Peace, not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor let them be fearful.”
Oh Lord, we timidly, gladly, openly accept Your gift of peace for this New Year. You lead us, and guide us, and we will obey and follow Your will. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sandra Platt is a Ministers wife, and mother of two College kids. She lives now in rural Indiana. She was first diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 18+ years ago, and now has numerous other painful health issues as well. A few months ago she was diagnosed with MS.
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 