We CAN have peace in the midst of storms. Our peace does not come from outside influences. Our peace is a result of resting in the sovereignty, the kindness, mercy and love of God, our Father. He alone can give us the peace that surpasses all understanding, the peace that the world cannot give or take away. This is a peace we must allow to permeate our spirits in times of crisis, in times of great trouble and distress. For we know that Jesus has said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 Emphasis mine). We operate from a place of victory, therefore, we can be at peace no matter the circumstance.
Our world is full of chaos, evil and darkness. We are called to be salt and light. We are called to shine the light of Christ within us into the darkness of this world. We cannot do this apart from sitting still in the presence of our Father and abiding in His love, tethering ourselves to His Spirit and getting rooted deep in His Word. We are to guard our hearts and minds against distractions and discouragement and stand in faith. We are to stand, steadfast, secure and unwavering in our trust in the promises of our Heavenly Father, Who has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). God is faithful and we must continue the good work He has entrusted to us despite any opposition. Surely, we will have the peace He has promised us as we walk by faith, according to His will and His ways.
Where there is a lack of peace, we have not fully surrendered our concerns to the Lord. Get still in His presence. Seek His face daily. Go humbly before the throne of grace with thanksgiving, ask for forgiveness of sins and lay your burdens at His feet. Leave them there. Do not keep picking them back up again. Entrust them to the Lord. He knows the load is heavy and you are weary. Yet, He promises to sustain us always. We know that He can still any storm. Yet, sometimes He chooses to allow the storm to rage as He walks with us through it. In these times, our faith is strengthened. We build endurance. Our roots are driven down deep in the soil of His word.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:6-10
Peace is not beyond our reach. It may feel like it at times when the chaos of the world is loud and coming from all angles. It can be quite overwhelming to our senses. Sometimes, we are even overcome by the sheer magnitude of people and situations for which prayer is needed. Our hearts are broken and we are at a loss for words. Call upon the Lord. He is always within reach. Go to a place of solitude and shut out the noise of the world so that you can hear Him speak, so that you can rest in His presence. He is always near. Praise Him! Even in the midst of the storm, praise Him! Praise Him in advance of the answered prayers! Praise Him when the answer is not what you expect. Praise Him no matter the outcome. He will give You His peace beyond what you can comprehend.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
Father God, we come before you with humble hearts, asking for your peace to overwhelm us in the midst of our storms. We thank You for being a good Father, for loving us, for sustaining us, strengthening and guiding us. Father, You are our All in All! Help us to keep or eyes fixed on You and not on our circumstances. You bring peace into every situation when we call upon Your Holy Name! Thank You for Your infinite grace and mercy, for Your wisdom and Your strength! You are so worthy to be praised! Thank You for Your kindness! Your love is beyond anything we can fathom! I am so in awe of You! We thank You that You are always near and You hear our prayers. Lord, please help us to be an example of Your peace in the earth. Help us to stand strong and immovable in the midst of great distress. Help us to shine Your light into the darkness of this world and point others to You. Help us to sit in Your presence, listen for Your voice, hear You clearly and obey! Soften hearts and minds to seek You and find You, to be transformed by Your Spirit and to walk in Your ways. Father, please do what only You can do! We praise You and we thank You in advance for what You will do, for the souls that You will save, for the mighty move of Your Spirit on this earth, for Revival! We give You all the honor and the glory, in Jesus’ Mighty, Matchless Name, Amen and Amen!
Written by Lanette Black
Lanette is a writer for IWM. Lanette is a mom of three adult children and grandmom to an eleven year old grandson. She loves the Lord with all of her heart, mind and soul. Her greatest desire is to share His love so that others might come to know and love Him, too. Lanette is an avid reader, who enjoys a nice, rich cup of coffee with her morning prayer and devotions. She serves as the Women’s Director and a member of the Board of Deacons at Lifehouse Church in Beltsville, MD. She has a heart particularly for women and children and is passionate about serving them in any way that she can. God has blessed Lanette with a strong love of writing, which she uses to share messages of encouragement as God leads her.
