Peace. Wisdom. Repeat.

Read |John 14: 27|

Millions around the world recite these three lines daily. They are a prayer and reminder. A prayer for a peace that would empower them to behold the truth of their limitations, without forfeiting the call to be courageous to change the things within their power to change. A prayer for wisdom so that they may not stumble into the folly of accepting the things they can help change and applying their vigor to change the things they cannot.  A reminder that such acceptance and letting go come only by way of God. A reminder that this acceptance and letting go is a daily march for the soul pilgriming through this earth.

A Prayer for Peace
All my frustration is met at the place where I encounter the truth, I can’t and forget the truths that He can, He does and He will. I can’t do ________. He can/does/will work in and through me to fulfill His will. (Philippians 2:13). I can’t find a way to ________. He can/does/will make a way. (Isaiah 43:16 - 19). I can’t afford to ________. He can/does/will supply all my needs according to His riches in glory. (Philippians 4:19). I can’t possibly ________. He can/does/will do impossible things! (Luke 1:37).
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Oh! If I could recall at the precipice of self that there is not an abyss awaiting me, but His Divine help, what peace I could come to enjoy. I would come to know the peace Jesus speaks of in John 14: 27:

Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.] AMP.

This is an extraordinary peace, perfectly suited as an armor against the full effects of brokenness in our lives, as it is not predicated on perfect circumstances or people. It is a gift to us, broken people in a broken world, so that we may begin to taste and see and inhabit wholeness in Jesus Christ. It is a robust gift from God to His people. It is a peace that comforts and empowers. It is a peace that breeds resilience, enabling us to persevere without frustration until the point at which our faith is made sight. (Hebrews 10:36).

A Prayer for Wisdom
In all the truly good we could ever endeavor to do, we are at the mercy of God. We cannot conceive, commence, commit to, nor sustain any of it without Him. From beginning to end, we are in need of God to be and do anything worthwhile. So in praying for wisdom, we pray to know what we would rather forget about ourselves--that apart from Him we can do nothing. (John 15:5). Yet He has called us, and is forming us to accomplish His good and pleasing purposes. (Ephesians 2:10).  We are called to do, but always from our position in Him. Living in light of this truth allows us to exhibit the kind of wisdom whose fruit is a peace that guards our hearts and minds and ministers from the well of wholeness in which we abide. (Philippians 4:7 & John 15:4).

Remember, all this comes by way of God. This peace. This wisdom. ​

Remember that this acceptance and letting go is a daily march for your soul. But, be encouraged. God marches alongside you. His resurrection power pumps your heart and propels you forward, one step towards wholeness at a time.
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Go Deeper
Join the discussion in our Be-Held Book Community about wholeness, as we read "Wholeness" by Toure Roberts.