The Peace of Thanksgiving

May you experience the Peace of Thanksgiving today, even if you are not feeling that way. Instead, I would like to encourage you to accept it as a gift. Please allow me to explain.

A Supernatural Encounter with Peace

Peace is more tangible than you may imagine. A few years ago, I encountered a supernatural peace, which came during a vision of Jesus on the cross. This presence gently wrapped around my shoulders like a blanket with perceivable weight and dimensions. In the weeks following the vision, multiple challenges bombarded my world, during which I demonstrated unusual patience. Nothing seemed to bother me. I tried to worry but could not because peace blunted that emotion. I prayed and met every trial almost mechanically and without fear for nearly four months. This encounter eventually “lifted.” And I knew the exact day and hour because my usual emotions, anxiety, and fears flooded back. Since then, I have understood that heavenly peace and the presence of the Prince of Peace are with us even when we do not “feel” peaceful. The Lord brings us a spiritual experience, not a pseudo-pacified mental state.

Unshakable Peace

Like you, I am acutely aware that the greatest shakings in life may move our mountains and hills where we find comfort. We often only realize what we took comfort in once it is no longer there. Then, sometimes, all that seems to remain are the valleys and low places, like disappointments, suffering, loss, or grief. 

Nevertheless, Isaiah 54:10 (NKJV) promises:

For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, But My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you.

The Covenant of Peace

The Lord has promised to Shepherd us even through our “valleys of the shadow of death.” He is with us even there, for He has promised never to withdraw His peace. 

In my last post of 2022, I perceived that we would see unexpected and memorable events in 2023. That was the case, and the unusual events began early in 2023. Who can forget Damar Hamlin’s injury (Buffalo Bills), which made us hold our breath? California’s unprecedented bomb cyclone? The historical 15 votes to choose a Speaker of the House only to see him removed months later? A rare tropical storm hit Southern California. Not to mention, there have been ongoing wars and political wranglings. I have also noticed an uptick in the unexpected loss of people I know or who are family members.

Friends, are you aware that peace is always available to us? Although, it is not without cost. Jesus Himself took the chastisement that paid for our peace (Isaiah 53:5). Therefore, He is our Covenant of Peace. Additionally, every time we partake of the communion elements, we thank Him for granting us forgiveness, salvation, healing, and peace with God.

The Will for Peace at Thanksgiving

Colossians 3:15 tells us,

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”

Therefore, (by our consent, our decision, and our will), let us rein in the loins of our wandering minds and

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly … And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:16,17)

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23, 24)

In other words, even our will to be thankful is acceptable and pleasing to the Lord.

I extend my sincerest thanks to everyone who visits and reads my posts. I pray that you, too, will experience the Peace of Thanksgiving and even throughout the coming year. Amen!