Peacefulness vs. Peace


There is a difference between feeling peaceful, and being "at peace".

This morning - I am writing to you from the small town of Aposentillo Nicaragua.  I am here because this past week was a "vacation week" at Amigos for Christ, and I ended up renting a beach house for 2 nights so that my friend and I could come and relax for a few days before my final two weeks of work.

Yesterday we walked along the beach for miles.  There was no one else around.  The waves were large and the sound was nearly deafening.  Then last night, we walked up the dirt road to a place called Amaru.  It is a surfer/yoga retreat - and it is there that we had dinner.  The views were beautiful and very peaceful.

But feeling peaceful, is different than being at peace.  "At peace" comes when you cede control of your life to God.  When you say, "okay God, I've tried managing my own life, and I haven't done such a great job.  Now, I give it over to you, and I ask that you lead me in the ways that YOU want me to go.  I trust you."

When you do that - REALLY DO THAT, it will remove your anxiety and fear, and even when things are not peaceful around you, you can be at peace.

"Peace I leave 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." - John 14:27

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