Peace in the midst of Pain

We all have tribulation or trials which often lead to suffering and pain. Jesus taught in John 16:33:
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
His offer is for us to have peace, it is a given that there will be tribulation. Do we have peace in the midst of these storms of life?
The word peace has lost much of it's power in our day. The Greek word, Eirene and the Hebrew word Shalom speak of well-being, order, wholeness, completeness, blessing, peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. God living His Life through us to provide for us what we really need. We think we need to get rid of the tribulations when what our hearts need is peace.
The tribulations and trials of this world cause all kinds of pain. This pain may be the result of our sin, another person's sin, or simply because we live in a fallen world.
The way to experience shalom is through prayer;(Philippians 4:6-7) taking our trial and giving it to God to be used for Christ's sake, for His glory, according to His will.
This is not easy, I often pray for my sake, or my family's sake, for my friend's sake. You see I determine what I believe is best and then I want God to give the answers I think I need. Actually, to give our pain into the hands of our good, gracious and Loving God; to really trust Him, is to find this peace/shalom. His peace passes understanding, His peace is really what we all need and finding that peace that lives within us is reaching to His Spirit.
Today in the midst of the struggles of life...try prayer and may you experience His peace.