the gift

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) 

Peace is a gift. It’s a gift from the Lord to help us experience Heaven on earth. It’s a sliver of heaven that Jesus left us before joining our Father in heaven. Oh boy, how thankful I am for that gift. It’s a gentle, lowly gift that we must receive, but it’s a gift that never runs dry. 

So how do we earn this gift? We don’t. It’s already given to us; however, we must receive it. Now, from my experience, this is a little easier said than done. 

During the stage of life I was in when I found this verse I felt like stress was at its high and peace was at its low. 

A little background… 

I’m a senior in college engaged to the most beautiful girl I know - real life is right there on the horizon. I couldn’t be more excited for this upcoming chapter. I mean, It’s more than I’ve ever dreamed of. I have 2 full-time job offers on the table, I have 2 more interviews lined up, Vivian is knocking wedding planning out of the park, school is going smoothly, and not to mention I have some of the best friends alongside me every step of the way. 

However, over the past few months, I felt so empty, full of stress and anxiety like never before. I don’t tell you these things to toot my own horn or to be filled with pride. I want to be vulnerable, and let you in on my journey to peace so you may not have to be left so empty as well. For so long the word peace was far from where I was. I lived with lies in my head about who I am. I let the enemy gain control of my thoughts, bringing me down further and further than ever before. I’ve never let stress dictate my everyday life as much as I did during this season. 

I was stuck, wondering how to get out of this trap that I let myself fall into. I was in my room, in prayer, asking the Lord for a response. I gently heard “Why? Why worry? I’m here, for you, but why not accept my gift? Do you not want it? I want to help, I want to show you a life like mine, a life full of rest, stillness, and peace. I want you to live a life that is gentle, and lowly, without any hurry or stress. You can’t live a life in love with stress or hurry.” And I was stuck, I didn’t know what to do. Until I read the verse up above. “My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” 

Then I realized the peace I was banking on was the peace I was reaching for in the world; whereas, that’s not the peace the Lord offers.

This was a turning point for me, this was a growing season for me. I’m so thankful for it, and I want to encourage anyone who may be going through a similar season of stress, worry, fear, etc. To ask the Lord, “Show me your peace, help me receive it, expose anything that may be blinding me from seeing your promises.” I promise the Lord will provide - as He always does. The peace of gifts is everlasting, it’s always available, and you can simply receive it by opening your heart, spending time with the Lord, and just being His friend. It’s a game-changer. 

A question that one of my mentors asked me during this hard time, and I want to leave you with the same question. “How can you live inhabiting the Lord’s invitation so you can create the most room for the Lord to lead you into a peaceful transformation?” 

Man. Thank you guys for letting me share a little story. I want everyone to be encouraged and receive this amazing gift of peace. 

-n0tbycayden