We are a world that needs peace. Our world is in turmoil. We are a world that needs Jesus and the peace that comes along with knowing and trusting Him.
There’s so much chaos in the world right now. People are dying, nations are invading other nations, sickness seems to have overtaken us, poverty and pain overwhelm many; yet, would you believe me when I say, despite all of this, peace can be found - peace can be experienced?
In my own day-to-day life, I’m so tired and worn out. Just when I think things are finally slowing down, I enter yet another season of chaos. There just isn’t enough time. On top of our busy schedules, we also juggle health issues, financial stress, and many unexpected and unplanned situations. The list goes on and on.
If I’m going through it, I know you are, too. What burdens are you carrying right now? Is it a relationship that you’re doing your best to hold together? Are you or someone you’re close to dealing with health problems? Or maybe it’s your job - you don’t know if you want to keep doing the same thing, day in and day out, pleasing your boss, living up to unrealistic expectations.
Whatever you are going through, I’m here to tell you, there is a God who loves you and desires for you to experience His peace.
“Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.” - Author Unknown
One thing is certain, we will go through hard times. Because of sin, the world is a chaotic place. But God promises us that he will be with us through the stormy nights, he will see us through our darkest hours, and he will give us a peace that we can’t even understand.
“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.” (John 16:33 NIV)
In the middle of our struggles, it’s easy to forget that we are not alone. In a weird way, I find comfort in knowing that others are also struggling. I often remind myself that what I’m going through is probably nothing compared to what someone else is dealing with; but, even so, there is no problem too small for God. He cares about you, and he cares about what you’re going through.
Throughout the scriptures, we are given several examples of how God is a stronghold and comfort through the hardest of times. When you need to be reminded of how you can have the peace of God despite life's chaos, reflect on the scriptures below, and remember that you absolutely can experience peace through your hardest times:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." (Isaiah 26:3 NIV)
"Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4 NKJV)
"Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?... No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39 NLT)
"'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10 NIV)
"The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV)
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13 NIV)
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (I Peter 5:6-10 NIV)
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)
"Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." (Psalm 32:6-7 NIV)
"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." (Psalm 9:9-10 NIV)
"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 NIV)
No matter how bad your circumstances, you can find peace in the knowledge that nothing can keep you from God’s love. When you are weary from the trials of life and just don’t feel like you can go any further, remember, God will give you the strength and rest that you need. Call on His name, trust that He will do what He says He will do, and wait on Him. He will never let you down. In Him only will you find peace in the chaos.
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23 NIV)
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Jennifer Jabbour resides in the scenic San Diego countryside with her husband, adult son, and teen daughter, and their hilarious English Bulldog. Jennifer has a B.A. in Integrated Business Communications, and is a Go + Tell Gals licensed life coach. Jennifer hopes to use her calling of writing, coaching, and speaking to equip and empower women to clarify their vision and to boldly step forward in response to God's calling on their life, as well as educate and encourage others to experience the abundance of God's goodness when they seek Him first in all that they do. Jennifer is also a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a photographer, and an avid outdoors-woman. She loves camping, hiking, running, and playing the piano in her free time.
You can keep up with Jennifer on her website https://www.jenniferjabbour.com.