Take a deep breath-
By Laura Higgins

Peace is defined as freedom from disturbance. At this point in the semester, disturbance would almost be considered a normal part of life. Projects, papers, exams and the horror of finals are upon us.

Combined with the everyday trials that consist of jammed plumbing, slow drivers and greedy vending machines, our lives have become a whirlwind of activity that threatens to overwhelm us. It is as this point that we find where our true strength lies.

"Peace I leave with 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).

God's peace is a concept that is often discussed in church and by other Christians, but it is hard to grasp unless you have actually felt it yourself. Even though Jesus is often referred to as the Prince of Peace, few people actually choose to experience this peace. I personally can tell you that once you do, there is no other alternative.

I have learned throughout my life that God is there. Just like everyone else, my life has been full of ups and downs, but I have only recently learned about the depth of His peace.

My mother has spent the last two weeks in the hospital. It has been a very difficult journey for all of us. However, what has been a very serious and painful time has also been full of peace. You see, I made the decision to continually turn the lives of my precious family members over to God earlier this semester.

Since then I have been able to greet our crises face-first and not cower. I am normally a very high-strung, nervous person (as my editor can personally attest to) and for me to be peaceful in a situation is nothing short of a miracle.

I have also learned that God is a gentleman. While He desperately wants us all to experience His love and peace, He will not force it upon us. We can go from healing line to prayer group to deliverance service, but until we decide to allow God to come in and take control over our emotions and flood us with His healing peace, it will do us no good. He will not break down our hearts just to give us a present.

Our Father God has given us all the benefits of His kingdom; we need do nothing more than ask. Peace is a no smaller prize than prosperity or healing. Peace is necessary for our lives. If we cannot live in peace, what is the point of having prosperity?

Peace is one of the foundational blocks of our lives. Without the peace of God in our hearts, we will crumble under the pressures that living daily puts on each of us.

Someone once told me that no matter what happens in my life, God is still in control. What happens to me does not surprise Him.

So when the mere thought of all the things on your agenda, or of that accounting final you have to ace starts your heart pounding and your mind worrying, remember who the Prince of Peace is. Take your worries to Him, and let Him calm your mind and heart and give you the peace that only He can.

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