Our house looks like a tornado blew through! As we prepare to move, partially packed boxes line the walls. Furniture sits at odd angles. Spare beds are dismantled into stacks of wood and metal piled near the mattresses leaning against the wall.
It’s all kind of unsettling. The upheaval makes everything feel like it’s in an uproar—even though the move is a good thing, and we are looking forward to it.
Many situations in life can create chaos that resembles the turmoil of moving. While our physical home may be in order, illness, relationship challenges, job stress, loss of a loved one, and many other factors can throw us off kilter and leave us reeling.
Where do we go to find peace?
For me, my quiet time in the morning is my source of peace--reading my Bible, thinking about what God is saying to me through His Word, and simply talking to Jesus about what the day will bring. If I get busy or distracted before I have a couple of minutes with Him, the rest of my day just feels disorganized and full of stress. I find myself doing unnecessary things, saying unkind words, and repeatedly overthinking scenarios.
Several familiar Scriptures remind me of God’s presence in the hectic moments of life. Jesus makes it clear that we will face troubles in this world, but He reminds us that He has overcome the world (John 16:33). He also promises to always be with us (Matthew 28:20) and that the same power that raised Him from the dead is available to us! (Ephesians 1:19)
In Luke 12:25, 31 Jesus asks us what we can gain by worrying? In the end anxiety, fear and worry add nothing beneficial to our lives. What are we to do instead? Seek God!
2 Timothy 1:7 says God’s Spirit gives us power, love, and self-discipline. When we combine these three while in the midst of a challenge, we can honor God despite our uncertain circumstance.
And, of course, we can’t forget to embrace Philippians 4:6! “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Taking a moment to recognize and thank God for what has been good, no matter how small, can reboot our thinking and set us on the path to peace.
Be encouraged!
Pam
