And the peace of God, which passeth understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
As many of you know, already, my husband, Phil, is on hospice now, dealing with the last months of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). We have lived with the specter of this terminal condition for two years already as it has inevitably destroyed his nerves and wasted more and more muscle groups in his body. First, it was his limbs and now it is moving into his torso and neck. Eventually, it will paralyze his diaphragm and take his life.
And through it all, Phil has been so calm. Some would think this calm comes from him being brave, or even from being faithful — both attributes of his own personality. But he would be the first to tell you, his calmness and good humor do not come from his own character, but from the peace he experiences as he receives the peace that only comes from One Source–through Christ.
My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
Phil and I both rejoice to hear President Nelson and the Twelve (and the wonderful new, interactive study guide, Come, Follow Me) testify of our Savior’s personal gift and central role in blessing us all with this peace that doesn’t, by worldly thinking, make any sense–that “passeth understanding.”
It may not make sense, but it is more real, because it doesn’t. You can’t explain it or manufacture it on your own. You can’t reason or “psych” yourself to know this degree of peace.
This peace is not only an attribute of His, it is a gift that comes by “no other name, way, or means under heaven.” (Mosiah 3:17)
Leave a Reply