Peace During The Storm of Uncertainty

What a time we are going through in our lives…

We are living in a time of devastation where the COVID-19 virus is taking the lives of thousands across the globe, and threatening the public each day.

I feel as though the whole world is in lockdown with government orders to stay home, businesses limiting their hours, social events being canceled, the increase of virtual interactions vs in-person interactions.

Morale feels low, the thought of running out of life essentials is scary, and the realization that anyone anywhere can contract the coronavirus is unsettling, to say the least.

However, I am going to talk about how we can discover peace during the storm of uncertainty.

The Bible is chalked full of comforting passages during times of stress, sadness, and fear.What I love about the Bible is that it displays the struggles and hurdles of so many imperfect people like me.

The Lord knew in this life we would have trials and tribulations, and he is always with us.

Deuteronomy 31:8 “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

One of my favorite verses is found in 1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Look at the name of this book of the Bible-Peter.

Remember when Peter had fear? He walked on water to see Jesus and was overcome with fear he started to sink.

I believe Peter was also fearful when people were labeling him as a follower of Jesus when Jesus was about to get arrested.

Fear can cause us to do or think things we normally would not.

I can testify to that-I think of times when I am afraid…

Sometimes when I have nightmares, I may have to turn the bedroom lights on to be able to go back to sleep (yes, even in my 20s).

As if keeping the lights on will ward off monsters or “bad guys” my imagination is drumming up.

Fear can also look come out in an ugly way how I treat my friends and family.

I have been on the defense before where I attacked a loved one on the grounds of my inner fear.

And most times my reaction to them was not logical at all. I’ve had to apologize several times for this.

This verse in Peter is so powerful because we know the author of this book had his share of fear.

Praise God we can be overcomers and we don’t have to live in fear!

Being at peace during storms of life does not mean we are ignorant to the realities of life around us.

In fact, it would be quite foolish to live as though nothing was going wrong.

If I could paint a picture of what peace in times of a storm would be, I would paint a picture of a family going through the Great Depression-with hardly enough food to survive, but still being able to smile and show kindness to one another.

I am a true blue optimist-I try my absolute best to flee from negativity.

I do not like watching the news, I avoid sad tear-jerker movies, and I always try to see the silver lining in life.

However, this does not mean I do not have my share of fear and worry.

Sometimes I feel that if I was not so sensitive, I would be able to handle life a lot better.

I believe beauty does come from ashes.

During pain and crisis, I have seen time and time again gestures of kindness, outpours of love not only in my life but observing the world around me.

Since many places around the world are having shelter-in-place to diminish the spread of the virus, I have experienced my neighbors rallying together in support during this time.

One of my neighbors told me yesterday if my husband and I need anything just to come and ask.

What a thoughtful gesture to be readily available to give of your resources in a time as this, where finding eggs, bacon, toilet paper, bleach, is next to impossible!

How to Find Peace During the Storm of Uncertainty:

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Lean On HIS Promises.

Meditate on scripture that will combat those fearful thoughts. Psalms 23: 1-6 “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

Know That It Is Okay To Not Be Okay.

We are only humans-we are born with emotions and are prone to fear. Many of life’s problems we can hardly fathom, but we can rely on God. Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

Reach Out To Your Network Of Friends And Family.

Ask for prayer and advice-it is much better to go through trials with someone than alone. 1 Chronicles 28:20 David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.

Love Yourself And Others During Hardship.

Demonstrating acts of love can boost your endorphins and give you a sense of purpose during tragedy. Indulge in that extra scoop of Salted Caramel Cookie Dough Ice Cream! 2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Take It From A Wise Woman (not me, Eleanor Roosevelt!) That This Too Shall Pass.

Trials don’t last forever. “Life has got to be lived – that’s all there is to it. At seventy, I would say the advantage is that you take life more calmly. You know that ‘this, too, shall pass!'” Jeremiah 29:11 “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.”

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