Ever find yourself in a situation where you’re struggling for peace in the midst of chaos? I remember a time some 20 plus years ago when I was sitting in the dentist’s chair getting a root canal and crown. Now if you’ve ever had that done you know how long that process can be…especially back in the day. It requires a lot of patience to sit still for x-rays and then again while the orthodontist drills down and files and prepares the tooth structure for the crown. Then a dental assistant will come and fill your mouth with a lot of goop to take Impressions both for the permanent crown and again for a temporary crown to go home with that day. Lastly, and often 2-4 or more hours later, you’ll get the temp crown put on so you can leave before the numbness is completely gone. That particular day, some 20 plus years ago, the music playing was quite loud and “jumpy/bouncy” and I remember how greatly I was struggling to relax. I said a very short and silent prayer for PEACE and was reminded so sweetly by the Lord, in such a gentle way, that my peace comes from within. My peace comes from the presence of Christ within me and not from external factors. No matter what situation we may find ourselves in we can always access HIS peace. Jesus said,  “Peace I leave with you” in John 14:27. He further said that the peace He gives is not like that of the world – temporary and conditional – but His peace goes beyond human reasoning and understanding and can dwell in us regardless of the chaos surrounding us.

This morning I spent 4 hours at the office of my orthodontist and dentist getting another root canal. I was reminded of the same comforting words that the Lord gave me years earlier, that HIS peace comes from within. This one, like the last, went just fine as I took it one minute at a time, very prayerful and aware of HIS presence within me securing my peace!

You’ve maybe heard it said that courage is not a lack of fear or anxiety but it is the ability to move forward in the face of that anxiety or fear. Well when we need Courage and we access the Peace of Christ it’s amazing what we can endure. Isaiah 26:3 reminds us that if we keep our mind stayed on the Lord He will give us His perfect peace as we trust in Him. Here’s a great Scripture about His peace from John 16:33
“… in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

Some of you may be thinking a root canal is no big deal in light of what you’re going through. What is it that is troubling you? What is it that’s causing you to shake or tremble in your boots? I assure you whether it’s a root canal, a financial challenge, a Health Challenge or perhaps discord with your neighbor or a family member, I’ve been through all that and then some… with HIS peace guiding me every step of the way.

A favorite Scripture I hold on to that reminds me not to tremble at the enemy but to walk in HIS peace is from Deuteronomy 20:3,4 “…Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; for the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’” NKJV

The peace that we so desperately need is accessible within all those who belong to Jesus. Does Jesus Christ reside within you? If not, I urge you right now to pray a simple prayer that will forever change your life for the good… “Lord Jesus, I recognize that I’ve sinned and I am in desperate need of your presence within me. I accept you as my Lord and Savior. Guide me into the knowledge of all truth and deliver me from evil. I believe in You. Thank you Lord Jesus.”

If you prayed that prayer and need further encouragement don’t hesitate to contact me or your local Christian Church for continued support. Welcome to the family of God, and I sincerely pray that you enjoy a new sense of HIS peace!
Blessings,
Diane Malloy

It was about 10 p.m., I was tired, and I had my 3 young girls with me in the back of my Plymouth Grand Voyager. I was so sleepy I said a quick prayer, “Lord, you’ve given Angels charge over me. Take me home tonight on the wings of angels and keep me awake at the wheel.” Sometimes the simplest, most heartfelt prayers, are most powerful.

That was probably about 25 years ago, but I’m often reminded of that evening. I had been to my mom and dad’s, with my three young daughters, to visit for a while. As I was driving home on the highway I was in the middle Lane. I was going the speed limit, 55/ 60 miles an hour, when my eyes followed the car in front of me as it quickly dashed to the left lane and almost spun off into the darkness. I was quite stunned, but then turned my eyes back in front of me. Directly in front of me was a double mattress… Smack in the middle of the highway! I knew the van would flip if I tried to switch lanes as the previous driver had done, so I gently tapped my brakes. The mattress was too close and it would have been too dangerous to slam on them. So there I went “kerplunk baboom”. I drove straight over that mattress. It jolted all 3 of my daughters. They sat straight up and the oldest asked, “Mom, what was that?”.

I replied, probably a bit in shock, “Oh, we just drove over a mattress! Go back to sleep.”

I looked in my rearview mirror and saw that mattress literally standing straight up on its thin Edge and then it splat back down on the highway behind me. I began praying for drivers behind me. This was pre cell phone days so there was no one to call, nothing I could do to report it. I kept driving. When I got home I told my husband, Don, about what had happened. We both felt grateful that I and our girls were okay. The car was even fine. There was no evidence that the undercarriage had suffered any damage for driving over that mattress. I knew, without a doubt, that Angels had carried me home on their wings – just as I had prayed!

It would be several years later when my husband would read an article in the local paper about a person who had hit a mattress in the middle of the highway and was killed. My heart went out to that person and the family that would be grieving the loss. “But for the Grace of God, there go I!” I was reminded of the Saving Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ on that evening when my daughters and I rode​ over a full size mattress! Lord, may I never take anything for granted.

Recently, I prayed for a young woman who was concerned about her husband traveling via motorcycle. His journey would be long and hard and I prayed for his safety. I asked the same for him as I had asked for myself on that particular night that will forever be etched in my memory banks from some 25 years ago. I asked that the Lord would take him there and back home on the wings of angels. When I prayed that, I saw (in my mind’s eye) two huge Angels standing as if they were on the handlebars of his motorcycle. I knew he would be fine. I heard back from this young mom that he hit a log straight on! He was absolutely fine, and even his bike was reparable.

Have you doubt that the Lord is with you? I have memorized Psalm 91. I want to live constantly aware of the protective nature of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has given Angels charge over me, and I truly do dwell in the shelter of the most high! No harm will befall me. I want to live aware that I can tread upon the lion and the cobra.

Lord, I pray for all those who are reading this little blog that they would truly have a sense of knowing the authority that we have to trample on the Great Serpent! Father, reveal the height, depth, length and breadth of the love that you have for us. That love that compels you to move on our behalf!

I pray that you’ve been in some way encouraged. You are never alone! Please feel free to share this story with somebody who may need to know that there is ONE who loves them and will always have their back!

In HIS love and service,

Diane Malloy,

A child of God