Gift of peace: the gift from the Holy Spirit

This morning’s blog is a very personal one. As I was sitting outside enjoying the sunrise, sounds of the birds starting their day and a warm cup of coffee. I thought of my mom whom passed away last year. I thought about how proud she must be of how far I have come and all my achievements in the last year. I could just see her smile. I had a brief moment where my heart skipped and missed hearing her voice but it was immediately replaced with the beautiful thought of my mom being with her heavenly father. I thought about my Gift from God – the Gift of Peace that was given to me and has not left me, and I knew that this should be my next heart felt moment I need to share.

Most of us don't understand peace as a positive thought. All we know is the negative aspect of peace, which is merely the lack of trouble. We associate the word peace with what caused the need for it rather than on what peace truly is.

The spiritual concept of peace does not focus on the absence of trouble. True spiritual peace is unrelated to circumstances; it is a goodness of life that is not touched by what happens on the outside. You may be in the midst of great trials and still have spiritual peace.

So, where do you find the kind of peace that comes without the absence of trouble, the kind of peace that cannot be affected by anger, danger, or sorrow? It is ironic that what is surely the most definitive speech on peace in all of Scripture comes from the Lord Jesus on the night before He died. He knew what He was facing, yet He still took time to comfort His disciples with the message of peace:

John 14:27 (TPT) “I leave the gift of peace with you – my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts – instead, be courageous!”

We should be able to take hold of this peace. It is there, it is ours; but we must take hold of it. It is interesting that Jesus said "I give you peace," then He says, "Do not let your heart be troubled." The peace He gives has to be received and applied in our lives. If we lay hold of the promise of the very peace of Christ, we will have calm, untroubled hearts, regardless of external circumstances.

Before I get carried away with this topic let me get back to what I wanted to share. There is peace of mind, peaceful hearts and general peace in life. I want to share about receiving the gift of peace by truly trusting God with your Heart. This Spiritual gift is given to us, yet most of us continue not truly understanding what it really means.

When my mom was rushed to hospital late that evening, a door in my heart opened up for fear, unbeknown to me. My mom was my best friend and so much more. Watching as they closed the ambulance door I collapsed to my knees sobbing and praying. Completely overwhelmed with feelings. My mom had a terrible fear for hospitals and I realised in that moment that we never got to really talk about it. They were taking her to a government hospital that was hopelessly overcrowded and under staffed. They have strict visiting hours and this would mean my mom will be alone for most of the time there. It was such a traumatic experience from the start – the ER was overcrowded and the doctors and staff there were all tired, and as this is the norm for them they have become a bit unemotional towards patients and their families. We were not able to get any information and this was so difficult for me. Watching my mom lying there for hours waiting for someone to get a moment to come and see her. I don’t want to drag on about this but felt I should paint the picture for you just how traumatic this was. This was the start of the longest week in my life.

We were allowed two visits a day and only two people could go at a time. I still needed answers as to what was happening to my mom but there was never a doctor to speak to for clarity. I soon found myself spending visiting hours running after doctors and nurses for answers instead of spending that time with my mom. Time at home was spend phoning the hospital trying to get a doctor to give me answers - time I could've / should've spent praying.

The enemy took full advantage of this & in a blink of an eye I was smack in the middle of a spiritual warfare! On the verge of stepping back into a old dark place that somehow felt comforting (what lies!). I was consumed with fear & uncertainty. My prayers felt empty & I felt hopeless, alone & confused. This was my mommy, lying there in pain, fear in her eyes even though she smiled every time I got there. My heart was so conflicted; I did not know if I should pray for complete healing or for an easy death. I felt so alone, alone surrounded by people!?

I remember 2 days before mom passed I finally broke down. I was outside in the garden and called out to God, questioning where he was when I need him the most. Not understanding why he has abandoned me (or that is what it felt like). I was unable to pray as I had so much uncertainties in my heart. So while I was having this melt down moment I felt very challenged when I heard God ask me; “Do you not trust me?” at first I was annoyed as I very clearly trust God, but then I heard the question a 2nd time “Do you not completely trust me beloved?”. This shook me hard, what does it really mean to completely trust? I was reminded of a scripture:

Proverbs 3: 5-6 (TPT) “Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go.”

I knew in that moment that submitting my worries to God will mean that I can’t question or worry about them again… is this even possible?

I made a decision there & then to give my burdens to God, understanding that from that moment God is in charge & I must not question anything again. I immediately felt peace, but this was peace I have never felt before. I got to the hospital & did not worry about doctors, I was there for mom & I was completely focused on her. We spent some moments laughing and praying. Mom passed away two days later. I was sad but had peace and this peace not only gave me comfort but wisdom during one of the most challenging times of my life. The gift of peace has not left me since. I had moments where I was confused during the past year as why I did not cry or become an absolute mess after my mom passed away then I was reminded that this is what you asked for when you prayed for peace.

The Holy Spirit is the Giver of this peace, and He dispenses it as a gift. You need to be ready to receive it. If you have a troubled heart my friend, it is because you do not believe in God completely – you don’t really trust His Promise of peace. The peace of Christ is a great resource in helping us to know the will of God. I will leave you with this last scripture which I hope will urge you to depend on the peace of Christ and that it becomes an umpire in the decisions you make daily in your life.

Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace.”

This cloud was above the hospital the morning my mom passed away.

I saw a dove and was reminded that God's gift will not leave me.