Recently, as I listened to a worship song, I envisioned Jesus extending His hand over my heart and whispering, “Peace, be still.” A quiet stillness settled over me, and I wondered if He was preparing me for a storm.

A week later and about a month ago, a dramatic event brought my life to a screeching halt. I have lived at a rather fast pace both internally and externally, and it was like hitting a wall going 60 mph. Time to regroup, rethink and recalibrate my life.

As I was preparing to leave ICU and head home, I was given a long list of meds and instructions and told, as simply a matter of fact, that I have heart disease. It’s a startling thing to hear especially being a runner and fairly fit. Apparently, stress can do quite a number on your heart. As a result, I’ve done a lot of resting and listening.

God is so patient and faithful. Over the past month, He has triangulated three different points in Scripture to lead me into the next leg of my journey. He took me first to 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.”

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples the night He was betrayed and before He was arrested. He knew He was facing a brutal flogging and horrific crucifixion the next day but emanated peace. True peace is supernatural and transcendent surpassing anything the world can give and any circumstance. It permeates His divine being and is the very essence of His nature.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled….” To be troubled is to be inwardly restless like a roiling sea, anxious and stirred up. I don’t have to figure out how to not let my heart be troubled. I possess the very life of Jesus and His Spirit lives in me, so I already possess His peace. The question is how to seize it and experience it. It is no secret that the answer is rooted in trust (Isaiah 26:3), but more on that in the next post.

P.S. I’m doing well and slowly recovering.