Peace Through the Storm

John 16:33 “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.” (NIV)

I came across this painting when I was looking for some things in storage. It hung in my little town house many years ago during a difficult time in my life, and brings back a time when I thought I was never going to make it through the battles I was facing. My world felt turned upside down, and every time I would turn around there was another battle. My very talented brother, Ryan, happened to paint a picture of this girl looking at the world as if it was about to fall completely apart. That was a perfect representation of how I felt, and the problems that I was facing, “Is this ever going to end?”

I remember falling to my knees in my little town house and telling God, “I can’t do this without you!” I knew that I could not get through the problems that I was going through without Him. There was absolutely no peace in the midst of everything that was going on.

I am sure we all can relate to our world being rattled in some way this year – loss of jobs, depression, anxiety, uncertainty, sickness, division, fear, marital problems, child problems, financial problems, death of a loved one – this list could keep going as we plug in those ugly battles. There may have even been a time when you have questioned your faith, grown weary and tired or simply gave up on something during a difficult season. If so, you are not alone.

This painting was a reminder for me to keep my focus on Jesus instead of looking at the problems I face and wondering if the anxiety of it all is ever going to go away. He came so we can have peace in a world that has trouble and always will until He comes back again. I just want to let you know today; He is our peace through the storms. Keep Him first even when you don’t feel like your circumstance is ever going to change. Maybe you just needed that encouragement like I did from this Bible verse. Stay close to the One who can help you through it all. He is ready, waiting to do this for you and I. He has overcome the world!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You - You are so great! There are a lot of times when the burdens of life are heavy on my chest and the struggle to get through it is very real. Thank You for helping me through tough situations. I cannot do this life without You. I pray for Your peace as I go through my day. In Jesus’ Name, I Pray, Amen.

What is troubling you that you need peace to get you through?