We so often associate PEACE with QUIET that we’ve actually coined the phrase “peace and quiet” as if the two are inseparable. As if we can’t have one without the other.
It’s hitting me in a new way lately, and I think I’m finally starting to understand: I don’t need to have quiet to be at peace. It’s like an epiphany. Peace and quiet are not one-and-the-same.
It’s hitting me in a new way lately, and I think I’m finally starting to understand: I don’t need to have quiet to be at peace. It’s like an epiphany. Peace and quiet are not one-and-the-same.
This is very good news for me because quiet is a real rarity here these days, with a 4-year-old and twin 3-year-olds who don’t nap anymore in the daytime, and a 10-month-old who doesn’t sleep through the night.
Too often these days I find that I’ve lost my peace of heart and mind because I’ve believed (even without realizing it) that I needed things to be different for me to be ‘at rest’.
Jesus gave us a really good example of peace like this when he was sleeping deeply in a boat that was about to capsize in a storm (not remotely quiet) while his disciples panicked and screamed at him (Mark 4:35-41).
He’s called the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)... not the King of Quiet.
It’s the heart at PEACE that gives life to the body (Prov. 14:30) ...not the quiet (or clean) house; and I forget this (and need to be reminded again) daily.
Jesus also said (John 14:27): "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” The world would have me believe that peace and quiet must go together, and that peace has everything to do with tranquil surroundings and relaxing sensations, calm background music, a trip to the spa, steamy drinks and cozy blankets or hammocks on the beach. (NONE OF WHICH WOULD I TURN DOWN; BUT) the truth is: peace has nothing to do with any of that. The peace that Jesus gives is “not as the world gives”. It’s a steady heart and mind in the midst of chaos, noise, unknowns, mess, looming pressures, sleepless nights and difficult mornings. It passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) and isn’t logically explained.
Too often these days I find that I’ve lost my peace of heart and mind because I’ve believed (even without realizing it) that I needed things to be different for me to be ‘at rest’.
Jesus gave us a really good example of peace like this when he was sleeping deeply in a boat that was about to capsize in a storm (not remotely quiet) while his disciples panicked and screamed at him (Mark 4:35-41).
He’s called the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)... not the King of Quiet.
It’s the heart at PEACE that gives life to the body (Prov. 14:30) ...not the quiet (or clean) house; and I forget this (and need to be reminded again) daily.
Jesus also said (John 14:27): "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” The world would have me believe that peace and quiet must go together, and that peace has everything to do with tranquil surroundings and relaxing sensations, calm background music, a trip to the spa, steamy drinks and cozy blankets or hammocks on the beach. (NONE OF WHICH WOULD I TURN DOWN; BUT) the truth is: peace has nothing to do with any of that. The peace that Jesus gives is “not as the world gives”. It’s a steady heart and mind in the midst of chaos, noise, unknowns, mess, looming pressures, sleepless nights and difficult mornings. It passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) and isn’t logically explained.
Not all of motherhood is chaos and noise and unknowns and mess, NOT AT ALL; but the point is, as I’m finally starting to understand, when those moments arise, and when it’s anything but quiet -outside and inside my head- when I can’t even read my Bible and have some ‘quiet time’ alone (as pictured);
I CAN BE AT PEACE. Because Jesus said I can. It’s as simple and as revolutionary as fixing my thoughts on HIM instead of the surroundings.
I CAN BE AT PEACE. Because Jesus said I can. It’s as simple and as revolutionary as fixing my thoughts on HIM instead of the surroundings.
“You will keep in PERFECT PEACE all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3).
I love your writing Madison! Keep it up! You never know who you may thought with your openness and honesty!
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