So many things out there can steal our peace and peace of mind. Things done to us, life’s trials, and all kinds of things. But as Christians, we are promised peace in every circumstance. We’ve been talking about the fruits of the spirit and today we’re talking about another tough one, peace. I’ll give 4 ways to not let anyone or anything steal our peace.
“Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the sunrise from on high will visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
I can’t count all the times the Lord has given me sweet peace. One time that I recall most vividly was when my Dad was on hospice with stage 4 lung cancer.
I was so angry that God was taking him away after I had finally made peace with my Dad. I finally let go of my anger and bitterness towards him for the ways that he hurt my mom, sister, and me.
The roller coaster of emotions that happened so often I had to jump off of because it was making me sick. It was causing me to have a poor view of men in general and stirring up a deep hatred for all of them.
But then I encountered God at the altar of my church and gave Him my deep-seeded hurt, my anger, and my hate to God. I felt the weight of bitterness and resentment finally leave.
My Dad didn’t change but I did. I knew who my dad was and loved him anyway because he was my Dad and I know he truly loved us despite his problems. I’m thankful for that.
I knew he might continue to hurt us at times but we weren’t under the same roof and I never let him get away with it. I could stand up for all of us in the right way and distance myself as needed. He did start acting much better although not perfect of course. Our father-daughter relationship was restored. But then he got diagnosed with cancer…
Watching him suffer for several months, almost a year, and then die was hard to see. A strong, handsome man who was very healthy and active got lung cancer for no apparent reason. It wasn’t fair. But how many of you know that life isn’t fair?
He really turned his life around with this death sentence as he called it. He focused on the Lord, on building relationships with other people, sharing in his blog his ups and downs, and really became a light to others around him.
I moved in with my Dad to help take care of him. We had an intercom system and he would call me when he needed something. He called me a lot and it was scariest at night. One night I remember feeling alone and scared.
As I was lying in the dark in my bed, physically exhausted from caring for my Dad and scared, I was listening to a song I will never forget: “I am not Alone” by Kari Jobe. After it was over, all I could muster up the strength to whisper was ‘Jesus’. At that moment the Lord gave me comfort and sweet peace like I’d never known.
Tears streamed down my face and I didn’t feel alone anymore. The Lord was right there with me. I had enough strength to make it through the upcoming months and spend final moments with my Dad up to him taking his final breath.
Two words describe that moment and the moments after for us and all the family that were there, my Mom, sister, granddad, grandma, and aunt: sweet peace. Sweet peace filled the room and didn’t leave. Was it painful and we were all crying? Absolutely yes but we had peace. It’s hard to describe unless you experience it for yourself…
Only the Lord can give peace like that to His children. Only the Lord can bring supernatural strength as I experienced it. Only the Lord can help us through hard times and bring about good.
This verse right here speaks to what my Dad went through perfectly. It also speaks to the painful trials that my family and I went through even before that. It was pretty awful y’all. Here’s the verse…
You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.
Genesis 50:20
He was a firm believer in Romans 8:28 which is etched on his stone per his request “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” It may take time but good will come about eventually. He was also a firm believer that no matter what happens to us that we can either get bitter or better.
If you’re going through a tough time I encourage you to read, “You’ll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times” by Max Lucado. My Dad and I were studying this book in his Sunday school class while Dad had months to live with cancer. It really helped both of us make it through that season of life and it can for you too no matter what it is you’re facing.
To this day, I believe that although God didn’t give him cancer, I believe that was from the enemy meant to harm him, God used that trial to bring about something good. A side of my Dad that was dedicated to the Lord and to encouraging other people like never before.
My Dad got his life put back together, all the broken pieces that he himself was a major cause of. I thank the Lord that my Dad had an encounter that drew my Dad back to the Father. That he is no longer suffering but at home with God in heaven.
How can we have peace in the midst of an awful storm?
I believe these 4 things can bring true lasting peace:
- Calling out to the Lord for help in times of need.
- Praising the Lord in the midst of a storm and in good times. All of the time.
- Focusing and redirecting our thoughts on good things.
- Putting into practice what we’ve learned from the Lord and His Holy Word.
I’m not just making these 4 things up. I’ve experienced peace doing these things. I can’t say I was necessarily rejoicing at every hard moment. But the Lord is faithful to His word and to His children that need Him.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
(Paul) Philippians 4:4, 6-9
A Prayer For You
Lord, thank You for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank You for Your supernatural strength. Thank You that the Your joy is our strength. You are a good Father. You take care of Your children and bring about good even if it takes time for that to take place. Lord, please don’t let us grow bitter. Don’t let us give in to people and circumstances that try to steal our peace. We love You Lord and are thankful for all the good things in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
