Britta Lafont

Britta Lafont

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September 27, 2016 · Leave a Comment

God’s Gift of Peace

Shama the Proverbs· Slider Posts

God's Gift of Peace

Whoever listens to Me will dwell secure
and will be at ease, without dread of disaster
Proverbs 1:33, ESV

God’s Gift of Peace

God’s gift of peace is free, but sometimes we struggle to feel it. Some days, I wonder about this peace of mine—where did it go? Did it get stuck under my pillow when I made my bed? Maybe I rinsed it down the drain, when I was in the shower? When my husband left for work, did I send my peace away with him?

Peace doesn’t really get “lost” because it’s a gift from God,
but sometimes it feels lost, 
and we wonder where it went and when it’s coming back.

Jesus warns that life is full of hardship. In fact, it’s not a matter of if, but when, trouble will come:

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

John 16:33, NLT

Today’s Proverb talks about enjoying God’s gift of peace because we listen to Him, because we shama. The Lord gave us the Hebrew word Shama to teach us this deeper meaning: all of our hearing of/listen to God is linked tightly to our obedience.

You might wonder, how can obedience bring us peace? As for me, obedience has always been a struggle, rather than a comfort. If we are under the law of grace, as Paul says in Galatians 3, do we have to obey? Truth is, obedience is not an Old Testament idea because Jesus said that anyone who loves Him will obey Him.

Our obedience is possible only through the help of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-31, NLT).

Is Peace Married to Obedience?

How is peace related to obedience?  As we obey the LORD, we acknowledge His right-ness (His righteousness) and our un-righteousness—to acknowledge God’s righteousness with our lives is to walk in His way. In a life of walking with the Lord, there is security and peace from being in His presence.

When we face difficulties we must remember what Jesus said, “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, NLT). We need to remember that peace is a free gift for those who walk with the Lord.

Peace in the Midst of Chaos?

2011 was a hard year for me. That year, I experienced peace in the midst of extreme difficulties, twice, because I felt the presence of Jesus:

  • When my mother was unexpectedly diagnosed with late stage ovarian cancer, I was very sad, but strangely at peace. I was not worried about her. I knew that times ahead would be hard, and could end her life, but her tremendous faith meant she was already in the arms of Jesus. What a gift she gave her family – her faith enabled her to dwell secure, at ease, without the dread of disaster, which was a comfort to the rest of us
  • Around the same time, my son Josh had a terrible bout with asthma, which triggered GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). These two diseases worked together so that he had to constantly carry a trashcan around the house. Every time he coughed, sneezed, or cleared his throat, he would gag or vomit. This was all day and all night. I slept in his room for 2 months, before we got the right diagnosis and treatment. When I had to go to the store and run errands, he carried an emesis bag. It began to feel like a horrible “new normal”.

In many ways, Josh’s illness was different my Mom’s. And on my end, it had a lot to do with my peace. While I had peace in knowing that Josh was in God’s hands, I still lived in constant dread. While I knew that God was in control, I felt responsible for fixing the problems since the doctors were failing us. It was terrible, but I was never alone. Such a gift! I cannot imagine being able to walk through that time without Him.

Is Worry Wrong?

I still struggle with worry—about relationships, about choices, about my loved ones’ health, and more.  Worry really kills my joy; it’s just bad!!  And worry runs rampant in the absence of faith. Faith believes and hopes. Worry doubts and fears. Faith knows God is powerful and good. Worry says that God can’t or won’t help.

From childhood, worry has been my constant companion, but now it’s more like that old friend who was a bad influence—someone to be avoided. I know that, when I lack peace and security, I must listen to God, to hear and do His will. A good place to start is here:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Do you struggle with worry? How’s your peace today? I’d be happy to pray for you, if you need it!

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Image Copyright: mummyhunter / 123RF Stock Photo

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In my typical social media introvert fashion, I re In my typical social media introvert fashion, I realize I didn’t share Gracie’s post on my feed at the time. 🤦🏻‍♀️
We are so thankful for this young man. ❤️ We are so thankful for this young man. ❤️
When the first day of school is also the day your When the first day of school is also the day your firstborn drives herself to college, it’s a lot. We moved her stuff into her dorm last week. Today she got up early to say goodbye to Dad (too early! Not pictured 😂), her brother, her doggo, her piano, and her momma. Before she left, she made blueberry scones to share with her little bro @sjoshlafont —they homeschool and relocated together, went to @westminsteroakmtn together, and have shared a love of music, Legos, superheroes (and villains), Transformers, and so much more. She played my favorite song. She even made banana bread to bring to her new roomie. @graciethenerd You are my little nut brown hare, and I love you to the moon and back. Auburn University is a better place because you are there! ❤️
Josh just started working in the bakery at Publix. Josh just started working in the bakery at Publix. Today he got his braces off. I just can’t believe it—where did the time go? @sjoshlafont
I’m a social media introvert mostly, but I’m r I’m a social media introvert mostly, but I’m reflecting today and feeling grateful for my sweet girl, my baby, my first-born. 🥰 She sure is a blessing to our family and her friends. Also, so grateful for the wonderful school where she spent the last four years—the perfect place to land after years of homeschooling on the move. “For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” (Ps 100:5) #curatingthegood #graduated🎓 #wisebeyondheryears @graciethenerd @lafonte04 @westminsteroakmtn
Best Thanksgiving that I can remember. I am so gra Best Thanksgiving that I can remember. I am so grateful for my people!! 🤗 ❤️@graciethenerd @thecardboardqueen @lafonte04 
#Psalm8 #highlandlakes #birminghamalabama
My friend @amy_young1234 is so generous! She has f My friend @amy_young1234 is so generous! She has found a way to share her birthday with friends all year long. This past week, I had to privilege to be her #FOTW You can read about her plan to celebrate her birthday by celebrating others in the link to her blog at the end of this post. That’s SO like Amy. 🤗 https://www.messymiddle.com/52-cards-52-weeks-52-years/ #curatingthegood
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