Peace.

Church discipline. 

It is a far off concept for most Christians today, but it is so healthy for the Church. Right now my apartment is dealing with a situation, and we are trying so hard to do everything Biblically. We have approached the situation according to the standards laid out in Matthew 18, and we have sought out council from elders. We are learning that actually living out Matthew 18, and rebuking this person (it is not Emily, Sarah, or Lor...I just want to protect their names) is super painful. 

Usually my brain is on overload. I can handle that. 

But right now, my heart is on overload. I can not handle that. 

Typically, I would think and think about all of the things that are happening in my life, and be overwhelmed to the point of paralyzation. But today I have peace. Despite everything that happened yesterday and the church discipline issue that we dealt with today and considering the fact that it is finals week, I am at peace. 

I have been a little bit unstable the past two days. Focus is hard to come by right now. I have been crying at the simplest mention of God's dealings on this earth, and I have been laughing at the slightest awkward moments. But despite my unsteady emotions, I have so much peace right now. 

I read this quote on a mug a while ago, and it is really ringing true right now: 

"Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart." 

Man, that is so powerful. Having peace with God and to knowing that He is totally creating all of these situations makes me calm in my heart. Like, my world is a roller coaster right now, and I am totally cool with it. I am a child of God, graced with life, and made blameless by his blood. Knowing all of that, how could I not have peace?