God Rocks #12: Surprising Peace in the Midst of Anger

Part of the series “God Rocks: 101 Amazing Everyday Gifts!” Stories and promises of the awesome blessings God gives us each day. I hope it encourages you today!

I was driving to work on the freeway when a car a ways in front of me pulled over from the far left lane into the middle lane without looking and cut off a guy in a pickup truck. He slammed on his brakes then immediately pulled into the left lane and sped up. Just as he passed the car that had cut him off he swerved to the right in front of it causing that driver to slam on her brakes almost causing an accident.

By this time I backed way off from them thinking, “Not sure what game you’re playing but I don’t want to be a part of it.”

Then I thought, “Really? All that anger for one mistake? Was it worth it?”

Photo Credit: Randy Rathbun

Yet, unfortunately I think that’s a picture of how so many people live in their relationships.

We seem to live in a world gone mad with anger.

So Jesus’ promise comes as an arresting contrast.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5: 9 NIV)

Yet, how can we?

I mean, I can get upset by someone texting and cutting me off in traffic. Or an inconsiderate word from my wife. Or a thoughtless action from a friend.

This is why I find this promise so remarkable because it’s so misaligned with our personalities.

And no I truly believe it doesn’t mean what I’ve always heard taught. It’s not about working for world peace.

No I think we can only find this kind of peace as a gift from the one who lived in perfect peace.

Only as we rest in God’s love can we be filled with this unexplainable peace.

A peace that often makes no sense.

That doesn’t need to retaliate at every perceived slight.

A peace we offer as a gift to those around us because of the peace that resides in us.

And when we live that way because it is so out of normal others look at us and see something different. They see God in us. Because there’s simply no other way to explain the peace we carry.

And when they see and we recognize that we’re God’s child that is the most amazing gift of all.

God’s peace in us gives us the power to live in peace with others.

How has God’s peace in you changed your relationships?