Dwell – Day 9
You know those pictures women post to social media after they have a baby? Their newborn is laying on their chest and the mom is glowing and so at peace, just staring at the baby they brought into the world. After having two miscarriages, I wanted those moments with my whole heart! I longed for that glow, for the tender moment of meeting my son for the first time, for my skin to be the first thing he felt. What I longed for turned out to be the exact opposite of what Henry and I needed.
At 35 weeks, I had an emergency c-section. Right after he was born, he was taken to the NICU and I wouldn’t see him until the next day. For a full week, Skylar and I could only gently lay our hands on his tiny body. It was the most frustrating and strange week of my life. I knew I gave birth to this little person but I couldn’t connect with him. I couldn’t hold him when he cried or nurse him when he was hungry. I couldn’t feel the weight of his body on my chest while he slept or feel his warmth seep into my skin. The only thing I could do was lay my hands on him and sing. When he cried, I would sing until he stopped. When he was sleeping, I would sit by his bed and sing as quietly as I could. But it was during those moments God granted me such a sense of peace that the fear and frustration surrounding Henry’s birth slipped away. It was replaced with joy from a new life, love for the child I couldn’t even hold, and hope for a beautiful life to come.
This is the peace that Jesus talks about in John 16. He tells us that in Him we can find peace. He tells us that even in times of trial we should take heart for He has overcome the world. In Colossians, it says that Christians are actually called to peace! We are to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. And in Philippians, it says the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds as long as we lay everything at His feet. Sisters, we are not called to live a life of fear! Even in our darkest moments, we are called to a life of peace. True peace is not living an easy life. True peace is walking through the storms of life knowing that God has already overcome them. God’s perfect peace is knowing that the waves are just waves and with Him we can walk right through them.
Because of Jesus, I am filled with His perfect peace.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peace Be Still: