Peace That Surpasses Understanding
“When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The “worst” is never the worst.”
Lamentations 3:28, MSG.
There is nothing God purposes or allows without reason. When something major happens in the world or even in your own personal life and it knocks you into a state of constant worry and fear, you have to ask yourself if God is really God in your life. Who is it that you really believe is in control?
When this happens, we cannot lean on our own understanding because we have no idea what God, the one truly in control, has planned. We can be assured, though, that He causes all things to work together for good for those who love him - yes, even the things that seem the most chaotic. We have to ask for His peace that surpasses our understanding of what’s happening. We cannot abandon everything we’ve learned about God just because of what it may look like. In fact, chaos arising is the best time to put your faith to the test.
“We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28, CEB.
Fear has a way of causing you to spiral. It starts with one “what if” and now all of a sudden you are worried about your family, your future and everything in between. I want to remind you that even when the world seems to be falling apart God still has great and mighty things in store for you. God still has plans to give you a future and a hope. God still has exceedingly and abundantly in store for you and He will always do what he said he would do.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV.
At times like these, you will have what you believe. If you choose to allow the fear of the world to seep into your mind and take over your life, then you will have a life that reflects fear. If you choose to humble yourself by not leaning on your own understanding, recognizing that God is in control, then you will have a life that reflects faith even in the midst of chaos.
Before you is an opportunity to learn what it is like to experience God’s peace that surpasses your understanding. Now is the time to stand on the word of God despite what is happening around you. Now is the time to rely on God fully, not on the world.
I hope you’ll find refuge in the word of God today and declare inwardly that the world doesn’t get to toss you to and fro. Choose to be grounded in the truth of His word.
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27, NKJV.