Peace In Unsettled Times

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:27

Picture walking through the tunnel to board a plane. You’re excited. The roar of engines grows louder. You’re greeted by a flight attendant who welcomes you aboard. You find your seat, stow your carry-on, put on our seat belt and wait for takeoff. During the flight, the plane cuts through the clouds and turns toward the sun. Sometimes you can see the snowcapped mountains or rivers below. Peace.

Twenty minutes into the flight, you feel a sudden jostle. The mood of the passengers changes at the cabin’s uneven movements. The fasten seatbelt sign flashes and … ding. The pilot comes on the intercom explaining that the plane has encountered turbulence, and the pilot advises the flight attendants to take their seats. What started as a calm beautiful flight became a very unsettling journey.

When we receive a new mental health diagnosis, the news can throw life into turbulent cycle. Our behaviors might become impulsive as we attempt to find relief or a different diagnosis. Our minds spin with many questions needing answers. But no matter what the circumstances are, Jesus wants us to have peace in him (John 16:33). Just as the seatbelt on the plane can give us a sense of peace, remembering that Jesus is aware of our circumstances and that he is with us can be our seatbelt of peace.

Rather than shrinking in fear and despondency, we can lean in to God’s presence while taking steps to adjust to our new reality. Remembering God is in control can help calm our hearts and bring peace. Regardless of how bumpy the journey may be, God will deliver us to our final destination. Therefore, we have nothing to fear.

When trouble comes, focus on God’s ability to care for you.

Charles Stanley

Sometimes the Lord rides out the storm with us and other times he calms the restless sea around us. Most of all, he calms the storm inside us in our deepest inner soul.

Lloyd John Ogilvie

A great many people are trying to make peace, but that has already been done. God has not left it for us to do; all we have to do—is to enter into it.

Dwight L. Moody

For Further Reflection

Psalm 62:2; Acts 2:25; Psalm 91:14–15

Today’s Prayer

Heavenly Father, as I face today and the challenges that may come, please help me face them boldly. Teach me how to see these challenges as an opportunity to grow in you for your name’s sake. Amen.