Finding Peace in the midst of Turmoil
Psalm 85:8 8 I will listen to what the Lord God is saying, for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him.
Take a moment to Ponder:
We continue our journey in this season of Advent, where we live lives ready for Jesus’ return. In this season of waiting, circumstances will vary. We find ourselves in situations that makes us frightened and restless. Sometimes we feel as if we are getting old and we are being left behind, or we are too young and missing out on life. Other times it is our faith and our trust in God that gets shaken and causes us to be anxious about everything. The truth is, no matter how much we know what is right, we fail to do the right thing. No matter how much we know what God demands of us as followers of Christ, we find it easier to do things another way. This gives birth to the turmoil we face. There are those who live in the constant turmoil of fear, where gunshots bark loudly in the nighttime or even daylight, taking with its frightful bang, a human life. Or perhaps in the turmoil of Pain, where we grieve the conditions of others from afar not being able to do something to ease their pain. In these times the palmist beckons us to think of God’s faithfulness not only for self but for all humanity and urges us to go back to that place of confidence in God, where God’s blessings, faithfulness, completeness, and abundance will be satisfactory to or enough for those who turn their hearts to Him and to those who remain faithful.
Practical Action:
How do we find peace in the midst of Turmoil?
1. We talk to God, and we listen to God. We tell Jesus everything that overshadows us. The psalmist reminds us that God is always listening but we too must be open to discern God’s will and purpose for our lives.
2. We are to do something about the suffering around us. It is a good thing to pray about the suffering of others, but we act like the friends who climbed the rooftop to lower their sick friend down to Jesus so he could be healed and find his peace (Mark 2:1-12). So we are summoned to put the Gospel of Christ in Action, make peace, and to make things good where things are terrible.
3. And then for yourself in the midst of turmoil, worry about nothing (Matt 6:34). Trust the promises of God, “ Be strong and courageous as I am with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9) and trust the same God who saved and delivered you in the past. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Prayer:
Lord God, too many times we are restless because we are overshadowed and burdened with the busyness of our lives. There is no peace in our lives, there is no peace in our souls. O God, Help us to listen to Your voice, help us to do what is right and just to pursue peace for others, and encourage us in our daily lives to trust You wholeheartedly. Help us Lord to attain Your everlasting peace, Your Shalom. AMEN.
Contributed by Rev Nina-Rae Barrett
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