Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
—Mark 4:39 (NKJV)
Welcome to my first blog post! I’ve been tweeting a lot about peace lately. It’s the subject of a new book I have coming out in October called Peace for Each Hour. In this constantly changing, uncertain world, who can’t use a little peace?
I was reminded of the world’s uncertainty when I awakened this morning to a beautiful sun shower. For almost an hour while I sipped my morning coffee, the rain fell steadily from the sky, while each drop glistened in the sunshine. It struck me as the perfect metaphor for what life can be like when I carry God’s peace. The rain can come and dampen my spirit, bringing chaos and strife. Like the thunder rumbling in the sky this morning, it can be noisy and unsettling. Jesus warned us that the rain would come. But then He told us to take heart, because He has overcome every storm we will ever encounter (John 16:33). His peace is with us, regardless of the circumstances. It’s a peace the world cannot give (John 14:27).
We don’t find real peace by chasing after it. It’s a byproduct of resting everyday in His presence (Hebrews 4:11). We let His Word penetrate our hearts. We talk to Him. He talks to us. Sometimes, we simply rest in the silence. I covet His peace, and I will push away anything that threatens to steal it. The storms can come, but I will not let doubt, fear, or worry settle into my heart and mind where His peace resides. I will not let the rain dampen my spirit. I will let the peace that comes directly from Christ rule in my heart (Colossians 3:15). I will let the Son shine through, regardless.
Proclaim these truths over yourself today:
- God is with me, regardless of my circumstances.
- I will not let my circumstances steal my peace.
- I will live from this place of peace; the storms can come, but the Son still shines.
Mary ~ You have been such an inspiration to me in my life. I am a 5 year breast cancer survivor now and remember how scared I was when I was first diagnosed. My dear friend Melanie (also a survivor) gave me your book Grace for Each Hour when she learned I had breast cancer. When I would lay awake at night worrying, I would read my precious gift that you wrote. When I reached out to you through an email you wrote back with such kindness and gave me wonderful comfort. I have participated in The3Day for the past 5 years (Susan G. Komen). Your book has been mentioned in the survivor’s circle and on the walk EVERY year. There is always a survivor asking another survivor how to get past the fear. Every time your precious book Grace for Each Hour has come up. I have made it my mission to supply newly diagnosed women with a copy wether I know them or not. I have purchased several copies for our cancer resource center The Harbor Room at CMC to have in their library to loan out. Your beautiful words of wisdom gently take a newly diagnosed women through each step of her unwanted journey… so afraid… then you lead us to the light of strength through your experience. Not everyone has the knowledge and peace of God. It doesn’t come easy for some of us (speaking for myself) when I least expected GOD’S GRACE I learned through you it was meant for me too…
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you;he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
Thank you Mary for all you do in life. Most of all Thank you for bringing me back to God when I thought I should run from him… Tami
Check out this article about Tami, just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month!! http://isanticountynews.com/2012/10/17/breast-cancer-survivor-fights-to-make-a-difference/
Dear Mary, I have to agree with everything Tami said. I am a 7 year survivor, and your book, “Grace For Each Hour,” was instrumental in bringing comfort and peace to me and my husband. As I’ve shared with you in the past, my husband and I used it as an evening devotional. Of course we both know it is all God. You wrote what God wanted you to share as a way of not only bringing comfort to so many, but as a way of bringing Glory unto Himself.
Like Tami, I have purchased and shared many copies of “Grace For Each Hour” to many newly diagnosised breast cancer woman. I’m always told what great comfort was given them through the words of the book….GOD’S PRECIOUS WORD!
I am looking forward to your new book, “Peace For Each Hour.”. I don’t doubt for a minute how wonderful this book will be as well.
Thanks Mary for being obedient and faithful by sharing God’s wonderful Word and His love with each of us.
Your “sister” in Christ,
Mary Jo