In recent months we have constantly been reminded by the media and those around us about the bad times which we are in. Many people are worrying about their jobs, their finances and their future. But somehow I feel more at peace now than ever before. The growth of my faith through the sickness of a friend and my own personal baptism and confirmation have left me a stronger person.
‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.’ Proverbs3:5
In the past I would have thought such a verse is for weak people who have no goals and direction. In the past I also often tried too hard, worried too much and trusted too little. I was, in non-religious terms, a control freak and I am learning to let go. I am finding peace and at the same time new strength. God is greater and beyond what we can fathom. Of course we are to use our talents and skills to do the work which we are able to do but we should also not forget to listen to the Lord, he has a plan for each of us and he will not forsake us, even though to our humanly understanding it may seem that way.
Today, for the first time, offering the sign of peace to those around me in Church, I consciously thought about what those words ‘peace be with you’ mean. It comes from the Gospel of John20: 19-31. Throughout the passage, Jesus says ‘peace be with you’ 3 times to his disciples as they are fearful about life. What Christ is offering us is tranquility, a sense of calm and freedom from stress and worry. With the peace of Christ in us, we can find great strength and go on to do great things.
