Turmoil or Peace?

The life of many a Christian in the U.S. is lived at a pace that often incites turmoil within us. Turmoil that comes from the need to get things done. Turmoil that arises when we have to get one kid from school to the doctor and back home in time for the other child to get his nap. Turmoil that arises with the uncertainty of that business deal that may not be completed on time. Turmoil that comes from our “need” for entertainment—the need to watch the Rockies win their playoff game and thus I don’t finish my studies until 1:45 in the morning! Turmoil that comes from the “noise” of so many things around us.

Some turmoil is self-imposed and within our control; some is out of our hands. All of it is subject to the power of God. And what does his word tell us? It tells us not to be anxious about anything. Does your turmoil make you anxious? Is there a sense of peace about you or are you always on the go from one thing to another? “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6-7) Whatever it is that makes your life full of turmoil and lacking in peace, pray about it and surrender it to God. Have you ever considered giving your busyness to God? Have you prayed about that business deal? Or just the anxious feeling of getting all the errands run for your kids in time for their naps? The cool part of this verse is what comes next. “…present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Give that which makes you anxious over to God. Pray about it, surrender it to Him in thankfulness that He cares, and let His peace consume you. What is that one thing that looms over you like a dark cloud? That one thing that makes you think, “If I could just get rid of this __________ [fill in the blank], then life would seem better.” Well, whatever that is, surrender it to God and trust Him for its outcome (which may not be what you think). I read a great reminder once that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving! This means He knows what is best for you, is able to do what is best for you, and wants to do what is best for you! Trust Him for that and let his peace guard your heart and mind!