How to find Peace in a Storm

Have you ever been anxious or worried about something that you started to lose hair? I did, I remember trying to find peace in a storm that affected my health and self-confidence.

I knew in my mind the importance of meditating on God’s word, but somehow my body wasn’t responding.  I was jittery and full of anxiety to the point of shaking or bursting out in tears. The nervousness that came with PCSing to this new duty station had become unbearable.

“What is wrong, LaVonda?”, friends asked. All I wanted was to find peace in this storm.

Right now friend, maybe you’re facing losing your job, struggling with finances, failing a class in school, or separated from someone you love through deployment, TDY, or social distancing.

In stormy seasons like these, it can be difficult to find peace.

Jesus and His disciples were sailing across the Sea of Galilee in Mark 4: 25-41. Jesus was resting on the stern of the boat when a sudden storm erupted, pounding waves and nearly flooding everything. The disciples ran to Jesus and asked if he was going to do anything. He responded by simply getting up, rebuking the winds, and demanding the waves to stop. The storm came to a standstill and he turned back to the disciples and asked: Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?

Like the disciples, we become blinded by the storms of life that we forget the power and the love of the God we serve.  Our present circumstances take our focus away from His eternal promises and who we are in Christ.

 HOW DO YOU TRUST GOD IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM?

When life is spiraling out of control, let God’s Word be the thing that anchors you in pace and builds your faith. When things get darker or more chaotic; repeat Scripture to yourself and remind yourself of the reality of the situation and see things from His perspective.

We need to embrace where we are in situations with gratitude and use Scripture to give us peace.

WHAT DOES SCRIPTURE SAY ABOUT PEACE AND GOD’S PROMISES?

He gives you peace.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  John 14:27

He loves you and has plans to prosper you.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

He works all things together for good in your life, including what you’re going through now.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

He will give you the strength you need to get through the storm.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

His timing is perfect.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

He never leaves your side.
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.” (Psalm 145: 18-19)

HOW DO YOU BRING INNER PEACE INTO YOUR LIFE?

Take everything to God in prayer. Prayer is powerful.

When we take the time to meditate on God’s Word, it brings a feeling of inner peace.

Use prayer instead of letting yourself sink into fear. Pour out your heart to God from the moment you start your day to the moment you go to bed. Tell him about everything you’re worried about and ask him to bring you peace.

Reaffirm your trust in Him and speak His scriptures back to him. Listen to God’s Word on your way to work or as you’re doing things around your house.

^” Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6,7

Fear only shows that there is a lack of trust in God.

Keep searching scripture for His promises and praying for peace, don’t just return to life as usual. The storm may get fierce, but He will always be fiercer. 2 Corinthians 4:18 is a great encouragement for staying focused on eternity:

“So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”

Take Courage and Know that God is with you during the storm.

FIND PURPOSE IN THE STORM AND PRAISE GOD.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-3

Sometimes our faith is challenged in a storm, but God uses our storms to build our faith.  We need to have something to look forward to and believe God, otherwise, our faith remains stagnant.

Make the choice today to put your faith in God and move forward; knowing that He is walking with you and you are not in the storm alone.

He promises to give you Peace.

Will you begin taking the steps to find God’s peace in your storm today?

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