“Let the calm of your soul seep into the chaos of your circumstances instead of letting the chaos of your circumstances seep into the calm of your soul.” – Kelly Callen Heath
Have you ever felt as if your world was being shaken like a snow globe? Life no longer looks the same. Nothing makes sense. I have.
Yet …
My soul rests in the calm of knowing who Jesus is in my life, for it is in knowing Him as my Savior that I find my peace.
Peace: Freedom from being disturbed or bothered by people or circumstances I cannot control. It is a state of security.
The second week of Advent talks about peace. I love the scripture, “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So, don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27
Heavenly peace is a gift from God.
It was early in the day when I decided to take a walk … in the snow … in the cold. For some reason, walking in the snow has always brought me a sense of peace. There is something about it that brings calm to my anxious mind and weary heart. God and I had a lot to discuss.
Photo provided by Janet Hart Leonard
That morning, my friend Kelly, whom I quoted at the beginning of this column, reminded me that peace is found in the midst of my circumstances. I would not recognize peace or appreciate it if I did not face adversity.
Adversity throws us “under the circumstances.” It’s a scary place. My mind searches for an escape as it pictures the worst things that could happen. My body tenses up, my chest tightens, and my breathing is labored.
Perhaps I imagine the worst things happening because I’ve had them happen. I go straight there. I’ve written about some of those things, but some things will never be written. Perhaps writing about them presses a mental rewind that is just too painful. Some things put others’ pain into my story, and I do not feel it is right to share anything that would cause them greater pain.
Heavenly peace differs from earthly peace because it cannot be fully explained. When Jesus was born, an angel appeared to the shepherds. The angel declared, “Fear not!” There will never be another declaration that changes the world by offering heavenly peace because of the birth of a baby.
From that first “Fear not,” followers of Jesus have been given a new perspective. I call it the “Even If” Declaration. Even if the worst happens and my prayers aren’t answered the way I prayed, I will feel a peace that passes all understanding.
I felt at peace while standing in the hallway of my mother’s healthcare facility when the funeral home came for her body. December 17, 2020.
I felt at peace when I signed the papers declaring I was no longer loved. July 5, 2000.
I felt at peace when my heart broke because, well, it’s not my story to tell. May 2022.
That heavenly peace declared at Christ’s birth cannot be explained; it can only be felt.
“And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
When peace is mentioned in the scriptures, it is usually in the midst of chaos.
Would we even recognize peace if we didn’t have the circumstances that shake us to our very core?
I love peace, tranquility, and quiet. And so, I walk … in the snow … in the cold. I reflect on that baby born in a manger in circumstances that made no sense. What a strange way to bring peace to the world. And so … I fear not.
At the end of the day, I lay my head on my pillow and feel the calmness in my soul, then I sleep … in Heavenly Peace.
Thank you, Kelly, for the reminder.
Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.
amen.