Finding Peace Even When You Doubt

There was a time I lived far away from God.

I mean I hoped he existed.  When I was in a jam I’d pray.  Kind of hedging my bets.

But I really didn’t know for sure.  Other than weddings I frankly had no interest in going to church.

I was living my life the way I wanted.  Fast and furious in a fraternity.  I really didn’t want God interrupting that.

But I also felt an emptiness deep inside.  Never could stop running.  Had only fleeting moments of peace.

So, as I’ve written before, when I prayed and asked Jesus to come into my life the peace that flooded me in that moment told me something major had shifted.  I’d changed.

That momentary peace was wonderful.  But life still happens.  And sometimes in the midst that peace drifts away.

But you know what?  I always find it again.  And I’m not sure it ever completely leaves like it did before.

Why? Because I know I can call my Father any time.  I don’t need to wait for a holy person operator to connect us.  Nope.  And he’s always available.

When faced with a challenge I can talk it out with him.  Then feel peaceful again because I know he’ll guide me.

Sure doubts sometimes creep in.  But I’ve been given power by the Spirit who lives in me to control those doubts so the peace returns.

Paul writes, “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”  (Ephesians 2: 17-18 NIV)

We can never be so far away from God that he can’t find us.

What about you?  Were you far away at one time?  What happened?