Peace that Surpasses All Understanding

On Saturday my dad had a heart attack.  As I sat in the waiting room (before I knew what had happened) while he was getting 5 stints put into his heart I found myself having a hard time praying.  I was not angry at God.  I was not bitter or confused.  I was just at peace.  I'm sure it's partly my being used to health problems with both of my parents and this was just another curve in the road.  Mostly it's because I can confidently say that I have a great God.  A God who is in control and who has plans that reach far beyond our short lives on this earth.  Will I be sad when it is my dad's time to leave this earth?  Obviously!  Will I grieve? Yes, but it will (Lord, help me!) be grieving with joy, knowing that he has lived a great life and been a great witness of the gospel, and (when that time comes) that he will be in the place that I long to be!

All that said, I am happy to report that, all things considering, my father is doing great!  He is still in the hospital, but is recovering well.  I am so thankful for his life, and mine, and all my family and friends, but I will not cling so tightly to life on this earth, because we are just pilgrims passing through. 

Philippians 4:4-9

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. ⁵Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

    8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

With God's strength....

... I will rejoice in all things, even sickness and death.
... I will not worry, even about things which I have no control over.
... I will be be thankful, even when the circumstance seems unfair.
... I will think about things that are true, and not bog my mind down with 'what if?'
... I will rest in His peace, peace that surpasses all understanding.

If you do not know this God who brings peace through Jesus Christ, please ask!  I would love to share Him with you. 

Happy Living.