Being Kept By Perfect Peace

Feelings Of Peace

Have you ever felt something keeping you in perfect peace, when you should’ve been a wreck? What was it? Or should I ask, who was it?

Today, I would like to share with you a miraculous story that is near and dear to my heart. A recent story of how God filled me with His perfect peace, in the midst of potential tragedy. I’d like to begin with this scripture:

You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.
 Trust in the Lord forever,
    for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. – Isaiah 26:3&4

The above scripture is one of my favorites. I hung it on my prayer board in my kitchen so I can frequently read it. Especially, for those times when I start to feel a little tense from situations going on in my life. Reading it helps me remember that God is where I get my true peace from, no matter the circumstances.

In fact, this past Wednesday I experienced His peace like I never have before. A peace that surpassed all understanding, (Philippians 4:7)

Is Today Going To Be Just Another Typical Day?

It started off as any other typical morning: I woke up and I thanked the Lord for another day, then reached for my phone to read the weather predicted for the day. That’s when I noticed a notification for a photo memory.

Over the years there were many times a photo memory appeared on my phone. But this was the first time I ever saw it play a slideshow of my personal photos. Not only was there a slide show of my photos but it also played the perfect song to go along with them.

The Feelings Memories Bring

As I sat there viewing these photos, my eyes began to water. Amongst the slide show were years of memories that flooded my heart. It’s hard to explain all the emotions I was feeling at the time. However, if I had to put them into words the feelings would consist of sadness, joy, and thankfulness. Those feelings were all rushing through my heart within seconds.

Now looking back on that morning; the sadness I was feeling was due to the thought of how young we all were, and how time went by so fast. The Joy, was because I was remembering all the good times we shared together. The thankful feeling, was for all the years I got to spend with the people I love.

Thinking about those memories also made me feel content and filled with peace. Because I lived a blessed life with those I loved, and was ready if I had to leave this world in that moment. Yes, I have grandchildren I want to see grow up, and ones that haven’t been born yet that I can’t wait to meet; but at the same time I was thankful and ready.

After that experience, I got out of bed and went about my day. Unfortunately that afternoon was interrupted with a phone call from my younger daughter. She proceeded to tell me that my brother was at work when they rushed him to the hospital by ambulance. They seemed to think he had suffered a heart attack, but that was all the information she gave me.

My brother means the world to me. Besides my husband, he is the closest person in my life. Growing up we shared a very hard childhood together. One of the toughest moments we ever shared was when my husband, brother and me, were at our mother’s side as she recited the “Our Father” prayer while she was dying.

In Spite Of Hardship

In spite of the hardship in our lives over the years, we’ve also had more laughs than any other family could ever have. We’ve also had the privilege and the joy, of raising our kids together, who all still remain close till this day.

When I hung up the phone with our daughter; my face showed no expression and my emotions had gone numb. In that moment, the only thing I can remember was calmly saying to myself “Oh Lord, no.”

Thoughts of earlier that morning flooded my soul, and I wondered if he was going to die. Could that be the reason I experienced those feelings I had earlier looking at our pictures together?

In the shock of the moment I felt the Lord say to me, “It’s going to be alright. He is going to be alright.” Along with that, came the peace which surpassed all understanding.

Moments later after gathering my thoughts, I headed outside to tell my husband the news. His reaction was one of concern, then he took my hands and we prayed. Soon after, we got the first update. It was indeed a heart attack, and he was waiting to see the doctor in the ER.

Some time had passed before we got a text from his daughter. Her texted informed us that the X-ray they took showed that his main artery was completely blocked, and they were getting him ready to put in a stent.

Later on, we found out more of the details. My brother actually had 3 heart attacks throughout the day. Two before he made it to the hospital, and one before the procedure.

Not Today Widow Maker

Soon after the procedure as he laid still in his bed, is when the doctor visited his room. He told Larry, that he was in the right place at the right time, and how lucky he was that he came to the hospital when he did. In the conversation, the doctor informed him of the type of heart attack he suffered. It’s known as a stemi heart attack, also known as “the widow maker”.

No doubt, my brother was at the right place at the right time that day. On the other hand, we know better than to call it luck. Assuredly, his day was ordained by God, and so was the peace that flooded my soul.

Here is are a few question I want to ask you; is your heart in the right place with God today? And are you trusting God for the peace you long for, that only He can give?

As always, I would love to hear what’s on your heart by sharing any of your in the comment section below.

Related Blog:
“My Soul Sings”