THIS MOMENT IN TIME

Renee Groff

November 23, 2020

I sat down to write a blog and realized I had nothing to say.

It felt odd. 

Typically, I would be bursting with ideas and my dilemma would be which one to choose.  Once I commit, the words flow easily.

But today felt … different.  Oh sure, I could conjure up something or other to entertain you.  Drum up a spiritual lesson learned in a previous season of life.  Tell you about some current drama and what God is teaching me in the midst of it.  All valid possibilities.

But not today.

I stopped to process it with the Lord and realized I felt a unique and stirring emotion. One that I struggled to identify for just a moment. 

Peace.

I mean, truthfully, as Christians, we say that it is not only possible, but also probable, to live a life of peace if you are walking with the Lord.  But also truthfully, as Christians, I’m not convinced we walk in much peace at all. 

Especially in 2020.

If COVID didn’t steal your peace, then I’m confident the election did.  I do not remember a year where I felt so much inner angst and didn’t even know what to do with it.  Social media only fed the inner angst, and sometimes conversations with others piled on irritation and anger in addition to the unrest.  Yeah, peace was a battle this year.  For you, too, I suppose.

And so I pondered why I would be feeling such peace today.  In the natural, it makes zero sense.

Our fridge leaked, causing some major issues, so currently my kitchen floor is torn up, as is the bedroom ceiling below it.  The house is a mess as I wait for the renovations to take place.  Takes me right back to when we renovated this whole house a few years ago, and I’ve gotta tell you, I’ve got some major PTSD.

Our daughter continues to struggle with health issues.  The symptoms ebb and flow with new ones popping up occasionally.  Some days I am full of faith for her healing and other days, like yesterday, I am distraught over all she has endured.  I’m not sure how much more she can endure.

I’m really tired.  My to-do list is endless.  Have barely begun to think about Christmas.  Am concerned about numerous people dealing with numerous things.  My inbox is overflowing.  And my phone has pinged approximately 527 times while I’ve been typing this blog.

So if my life is far from perfection, why do I feel at peace today?

And then I remember Philippians 4:7.  “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

That’s what I’m experiencing, right now, this very second!  A peace that makes no sense to a mind that’s prone to rationalize it away, and a heart that’s constantly playing tug-of-war between hope and despair.  Yes, no wonder I can’t explain it.  The Bible tells me it is beyond my human capability to even wrap my mind around it.  It defies logic and description.  It is supernatural.

And so, I think to myself, I will not squander this gift.  I will not wait for disaster to strike, or peer into the future with fear and dread.  For today, I will relish the preciousness of what I’ve been given and do my best to share it with others, as gifts are always meant to be shared.

This peace is light and free, because it is not based on anything I can see or know or understand.  It just is.  Thank you, Jesus.  And should tomorrow look different from today, I’ll remind myself of this moment in time and be thankful.

About the Author: Renee Groff

I’m Renee. Wife of one awesome husband and mom to two beautiful daughters and one terrific son-in-law. I like antiques. Old ones with original chipping, peeling paint. I like to rearrange my house and bake things like whoopie pies. I like making lists and checking things off of them. I like pretty napkins and warm vanilla sugar body lotion. I like Hershey Almond Bars, and I think they taste best frozen. I like to read and write and imagine the day someone might actually buy what I’ve written.

6 Comments

  1. Rachel Stover

    Great blog, I think we all feel the same at times. However, I know God is in control.

    Reply
    • Renee Groff

      Thanks for your comment, Rachel! We are never alone!

      Reply
  2. Phyllis kuhn

    It is amazing that you wrote about peace!! December 7th it will be 5 months since I have started walking early in the morning ! It has become the most important part of my day because it is my time to talk to God, I tell him every morning goodmorning Lord I’m just checking in! I talk to Him about everything ! About how imperfect I am but I know that He died on the cross to save me and that I can lay my burdens at His feet! I am amazed that He did that foe me and for anyone else that wants that freedom of peace that surpasses all understanding!! What a precious gift! I have been particularly stressed about the election and when I have fears or doubts He gently reminds me that He is in control! I am at peace!! I am so greatful for God’s love, understanding and forgiveness! Thank you so much for writing your blog! I hope I see more! By the way I am related to you ! Your mom is my cousin!

    Reply
    • Renee Groff

      Hi Phyllis! Yes, I do remember you! Thanks for taking time to comment. I’m glad you found the blog to be helpful!

      Reply
  3. Abigail Calkins

    I totally relate to this. Philippians 4 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. Since I have become a Christian, I have experienced that wonderful, irrational peace. The first time I experienced it was the day I found out my cousin had died that day. It was so powerful! Thank you for the amazing blog!

    Reply
    • Renee Groff

      Thank you, Abigail! I’m so glad that you, too, have experienced such supernatural peace! Thanks for sharing your story with me.

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Roe v. Wade Overturned

Roe v. Wade Overturned

On Friday, June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. The six to three ruling means that abortion on demand is no longer a constitutionally protected right in America. The justices sent the matter back to the...

A Christ-Centered, Life-Giving Community

A Christ-Centered, Life-Giving Community

If you picked up an English dictionary and looked up the word peculiar, you would find it means different, strange, odd, or weird. Some of you may be thinking of a person right now. However, if you are a follower of Jesus, the Word of God labels you as peculiar. 1...

Hold Your Tongue

Hold Your Tongue

“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3 (NIV) A week ago I wrote on my whiteboard: Hold your tongue so I can do my work - Jesus   I thought it was weird as nothing crazy was going on in...