Shalom or Chaos

Would you rather have a life filled with Shalom, a perfect peace or one filled with Chaos?  This sounds like a simple question right, well, here’s another.  Would you rather have a life filled with eternal joy, or a temporary happiness?  Asked in this way, it’s quite an easy question to answer as well, how about this one?  Based upon what you know about God, would His plan be better or your plan?  All of these are such easy questions to answer, so how come it’s so difficult to live this way?  Maybe it’s because society has painted quite a picture of what “peace” should be and how important it is to live a “happy” life!  There are so many “self help” books motivating us to be “all that we can be” so that we can be “successful” in the world and have the things that we “want” in life.  But it’s all twisted!  The meaning to our lives is much deeper than we are seeing with our natural eyes.  If we live by the worldly vision of peace, we get along with those around us and go along with the flow, which is good.  But what if God’s plan requires us to step out in faith and face our fears, in the middle of some of our toughest moments?  This doesn’t sound like it would feel “peaceful” huh?  But, have you ever stepped out in faith, like this, and experienced a peace that you can’t explain while doing what you know God wants you to do, even though it’s not easy, and it doesn’t feel good at the time?  This “perfect peace” isn’t JUST a feeling, but actually, more of an assurance.  In fact, Shalom is more about faith that peace will come, as we follow Him.  It’s a trust thing!  And trust is the key to receiving Shalom in our lives and wisdom just makes it a bit easier.  When we understand that temporary happiness is nothing compared to the eternal joy that our loving Father offers than our lives change and the choices that we make, do as well.  When we understand that His plan is perfect and it’s for our best, than it is a bit easier to make it through those tough times.  As we spend time with our loving Father, by reading His word, and praying, getting to know who He is, than it’s much easier to walk through life with Him.  Maybe we don’t understand His plan, and maybe sometimes it is VERY tough to follow, maybe it doesn’t always “feel” good in the moment, but His promises are true and His love is unfailing and when we hold onto this, keep our head up and follow His plan, not only will we reach our destination, but we will grow along the way.  By facing our fears, overcoming challenges, experiencing His strength in our weakness, perfect peace, true joy, while walking in His love.  This is how we become successful!  It’s when our lives reflect a life of sacrifice, giving up our plans to follow His.  The more we give away, the more successful we become.  He blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others.  He has called us to live a life of obedience so that others will see Him work through our life circumstances while molding our hearts into receiving all that He has in store for us.  Not only is His plan for our protection but it’s exactly what our hearts need.  One day we may look back and thank God for loving us so much that instead of giving us everything that we want exactly when we want it that He gives us what we need and so much more, when He says it’s time.  Thank you, sweet Father, for loving us so much!  May we all trust in you and choose a life of Shalom and end the chaos that we have created by turning away from you.