A Conquering Peace

When I was a child, if I was fighting sleep or fussing, my mom would hand my restless self to my 6’5 dad. He would lay me on his chest, and with a large, cupped hand, begin to firmly pat my back. “Thump, thump, thump”. It didn’t hurt, but it was loud enough that it would catch me off guard, at first, and stop my fussing. In no time, this commanding rhythm would calm my central nervous system and win me to rest.

This is the visual The Lord brought to mind as I was meditating on the words of Jesus in John 16:33.

When I read this familiar passage in TPT,

two words jumped out at me; PEACE and CONQUERED. Also, the word REST. I used to only see the words “trouble and sorrows”, but they seemed to be more of a backdrop to something greater, this time.

I wrote “Conquering Peace” in my journal.

I don’t know about you, but anxiety has bullied me on the playground of life for years.

If you ever see videos on social media of me showcasing Bibles with perfectly manicured nails… 💅🏻

it’s a coverup. 🫣

The truth is, I cover them up because if I leave them bare, I’m bound to press and pick at them (apparently this is a calming technique , as well) and wind up biting them clear off. Lovely. 🙄 I don’t even realize I’m doing this until the damage is done.

I wonder how anxiety or storms affect you?

I’ve had to lean into what Jesus is saying, here.

What does a conquering peace look like for me?For you?

Jesus experienced storms of insults, betrayal, mockery, injustice, hatred, abuse. He even sweat blood as he was anticipating the cup of suffering ahead of Him. He knows. He endured all of it FOR me and FOR you. To overcome the world, on our behalf. To give us a Conquering Peace of something greater than this world.

That’s why Jesus instructs the disciples to not forget what he’s said or be surprised when they experienced trouble or sorrow (bullies or storms) in this world, but to go ahead and take up His peace because He has overcome the world.

Note: This is not a heavy religious command from Jesus telling his disciples (or us) to be peaceful.

I think that’s where we sometimes miss it.

We think we are not faithful enough if we are struggling - and then begin to feel shame when we can’t will ourselves into a state of peace. That causes us more restlessness, anxiety and this human response that is prone to wander away from the Prince of Peace.

Instead, this is an invitation to take something that is available to us, as daughters and sons.

Rest in Him.

Peace from Him.

It’s not from ourselves.

It’s a Conquering Peace that passes our human understanding. It’s a commanding presence that demand the storms to “Be Still”.

Jesus knows that

Anxiety will come for us.

Storms are inevitable.

Our restless hearts race thumpthumpthumpthump….

But we get the privilege, as daughters, of laying our restless selves on his BIG, broad chest…and finding rest in him. We get to be close enough to feel His presence, His warmth, His Authority over the wind and the waves and to hear his heart beating louder than our own.

Thump, ♥️ thump, ♥️ thump. ♥️

“I love you, I’m with you, I’ve got this.”

It’s a surrender to His power that is not only greater than the storm, but has overcome the force driving the storm;

It’s a firm, rhythmic, assurance that He’s bigger and stronger - He’s got the WHOLE world in His hands. His shoulders are broad and his chest is the place where we can rest, be still and know that he’s in complete control.

This is an invitation to rest and receive.

He invites us to TAKE heart.

Take Courage. Take Rest.

Take His Conquering Peace.

Surrender, Rest and Receive are integral parts of the Kingdom of God.

Anxiety bows to him.

Storms calm at His command

A Conquering Peace is available to us like fresh, new mercy each day.

Can you picture yourself, like a child, relaxing into that PEACE that has conquered the world, today?

Let’s take a deep breath together. Let’s sink into His strength. Let’s ask “Father, by the power of your Holy Spirit, will you conquer whatever feels overwhelming and overwhelm me with your peace today? I surrender, rest and receive your peace today. Thank you. It’s in

Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.” 🙏

What visuals is The Lord bringing to your mind?

I’d love to hear from you.

🤍 🕊️

~Amy

My PEACE playlist

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/peace/pl.u-RRbVLV7F0p9dv