And the shalom [peace] of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua [Jesus the Christ]. Philippians 4:7, TLV

Shalom.  Have you ever felt it? You shouldn’t feel calm or clearheaded, but you are. There is grief or chaos or hopelessness or fear around you, but it is like you’re in a bubble and it can’t touch you. Sigh. I wish we could live in that bubble all the time. Because that would sure make life easier, right?

Easier, yes, but what do we learn? How do we walk in faith?

Over twenty-five years ago, my mother and I sat on her bed. Her Bible laid in her lap. We looked at each other, tears crowding our eyes, waiting to release. It had been a long day at the funeral home and the viewing. Tomorrow we would do the impossible — bury my father. Dad died suddenly at 65. We were still in shock, yet there was something else going on.

We prayed for that peace that surpassed our understand as we kept our minds on Jesus. That was all we could think to do. There was no way to prepare for whatever emotions would bombard us. And then there were all the people — all at once. People beside themselves with grief.

The day was pretty much a blur of constant hugs and sympathies. At some point, mom and I looked at each other and smiled. Yes, that shalom — that peace that surpassed all understanding was there. We held babies, comforted others, and shared our assurance that we would be reunited in heaven. That my dad was in the arms of his Savior.

At one point, one of my cousins questioned as to what drugs mom and I were on. I laughed. There was no doubt we were not generating this bubble of peace. And there was no doubt that eventually, in private away from the crowds, we would grieve deeply. And we did. But, when we really needed that bubble, it was there.

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have shalom. In the world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33, TLV)

Yes, in this world we will have tribulations. And yes, our Messiah has overcome the world! But, there are times of His choosing that He gives us that bubble. I have experienced these bubbles at least two other times. Ultimately, I want my life to be the testimony of His shalom in or out of that sacred bubble. How about you?

Shabbat shalom.