Yes, the word is "peace". As a young girl, I sang the following words with other GAs at a wonderful mountain camp: "I have the peace that passes understanding down in my heart, down in my heart to stay." Those words were taken directly from Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God which passes (transcends) all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
At that time of youth and innocence, I had no comprehension of what the future would hold for me, or of how that peace that truly goes beyond all understanding would stay with me throughout the years of my life. But, as a 9 year-old girl, I chose to place my trust in the One Who has never failed me. It was the most crucial decision of my life.
Even in times of heart-wrenching grief and loss, that underlying peace of God has sustained me. When my body was found to be housing cancer....in times of abandonment, whether through death or other means....God's faithfulness and peace have seen me through. Does that mean that we do not grieve? Absolutely not! It is normal and healthy to work through the stages of grief when there is a sense of loss. And, no one can dictate a time frame when we should "get on with it" or "get over it".
Jesus comforted His disciples with these words in John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
On this day, I am choosing peace. As Julie Garmon said, nothing is worth giving away that peace. And, no one or no circumstance has the power to take that peace from me.
Oh, here is the rest of the song: "And I'm so happy, so very happy; I have the love of Jesus in my heart, down in my heart. And I'm so happy, so very happy; I have the love of Jesus in my heart."
Colossians 3:15 - "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Lord, thank you for putting a song in my heart, and for being the source of my peace.
