Finding peace in the center of turmoil isn't about avoiding your situation; it's about welcoming God into it.
Have you ever been out on a stormy day, with the wind wailing, the rain beating against your skin, and looking up at the sky, and it appears laden with ominous clouds?
It's such an intense sight, right? At times, life may seem that way. In addition to being violent on the outside, the storms are also raging inside our hearts, thoughts, and circumstances. But what if I said there's a method to discover calmness amidst everything?
As Christians, we are familiar with difficulties. Perhaps you're going through a financial crisis, experiencing heartbreak, a health issue, or even grappling with feelings of inadequacy.
God has promised you something wonderful, regardless of the storm you are facing: peace. When everything seems chaotic, there is a calm that grounds us and perplexes the world.
This calm does not come from ignoring the storm or pretending it is not real. It comes from the awareness that God is alongside you amid the tempest and relying on Him to guide you through.
Let's explore six ways to welcome this tranquility, even when life seems chaotic:
1. Recognizing God's Presence in the Storm
When storms arrive, our instinctive reaction is often fear. We desire to run, repair issues, or manage the circumstances. However, have you observed how fear increases when we sense loneliness? The positive aspect is that we are never genuinely isolated. God accompanies us through every tempest.
Consider the followers in Matthew 8:23-27. They felt fear as the storm roared around their vessel. However, Jesus was among them, resting calmly. When they called out to Him, He calmed the tempest with a single word. His existence transformed everything.
We should cling to the assurance God has given us in Isaiah 41:10, where He says, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
When we recall God's presence, fear begins to fade. Even when the chaos doesn't quickly settle, the awareness of His presence offers comfort. To achieve this in practice is by prayer, worship, and reflecting on His Word.
Muttering His name amidst the turmoil and saying, "Jesus, I know You’re present," is sufficient to redirect your attention from the waves to the Savior.
2. Anchoring Your Soul in God's Promises
Storms can prompt us to reconsider everything. Will I manage to overcome this? Does God take an interest? Will He fulfill His promises? Scripture is our source of support in this way. God's Word remains constant, even when all else seems unsure.
Holding fast to His promises is one of the bravest things you can do in a storm. Begin by locating verses that resonate deeply with your emotions. If you are experiencing anxiety, Philippians 4:6-7 will calm your heart.
Record these divine promises in writing. Commit them to memory. Say them aloud. Allow them to be the anchor that keeps you stable. God’s assurances remind us that He is dependable, He supports us, and He is orchestrating everything for our benefit—even when we cannot perceive it yet.
Trusting can be challenging during difficult times, but believing in His Word is akin to standing firmly on solid ground. You may still sense the wind, but you won’t be carried off.
3. Surrendering Control to God
To be truthful, much of our stress arises from attempting to manage things beyond our control. We attempt to address each issue, predict every result, and mend every flaw, only to realize we're overwhelmed. Giving in may seem illogical, but it is one of the most liberating decisions we can make.
By surrendering the illusion of control, we allow space for God to take charge. And He performs it far better than we ever can (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Surrendering does not equate to defeat; it signifies accepting God's wisdom, timing, and purpose. It expresses, “Lord, I’m unable to manage this alone, but I have faith that You can.” By surrendering, we place our burdens on Him, and He provides us with rest.
If you're having difficulty moving on, begin with little steps. Offer a straightforward prayer of surrender, even if it's accompanied by tears. Let go of each worry individually and have faith that God will take care of it.
4. Finding Refuge in Community
The enemy delights in separating us amid tempests. He murmurs falsehoods about being isolated, claiming that no one understands us or that others will criticize us if we express our feelings. Yet God created us to flourish within a community. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
Community involves not only receiving but also giving. Even amidst your turmoil, you can provide support to another person. Assisting others frequently provides insight and rejuvenates our feeling of optimism.
5. Being Appreciative amid the Storm
This may appear unachievable, yet gratitude can change our perspective. Life gets super tough sometimes. When things feel overwhelming, it helps to calm down for a second and think about all the awesome stuff God's done for us—even the little things!
The Bible, in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, encourages us to express gratitude no matter what's happening. God wants us to be grateful always because that's what makes Him happy.
Instead of saying thanks "for everything," it says "in everything." This is not necessarily implying that you express gratitude to God for the crisis itself but appreciate His presence, His promises, and the ways He's supporting you during it.
Begin with something straightforward. Express gratitude for the air in your lungs, the sunrise you witnessed today, or the friend who reached out with a supportive message. Thankfulness doesn’t lessen your suffering; it enhances your recognition of God’s loyalty.
6. Focusing on the Eternal Perspective
Storms can freak us out because they're right in our faces. But, as Christians, we must focus on the big picture, the stuff that lasts forever. Paul, in 2 Corinthians, says, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Our problems are small and short-lived, but the awesome gifts we receive later are far better and last forever.
This doesn't imply that your challenges are unimportant; they certainly are. However, it serves as a reminder that they do not conclude the narrative. God utilizes each turbulence to mold, purify, and bring you nearer to Him.
By focusing on Christ, we will find hope. Though the crisis may not vanish instantly, its influence on us diminishes as we understand that something better lies ahead.
Finding peace in the center of turmoil isn't about avoiding your situation; it's about welcoming God into it. It involves acknowledging His presence, grounding yourself in His promises, relinquishing control, relying on community, cultivating gratitude, and maintaining an eternal viewpoint.
No matter what storm you're encountering today, keep in mind that you are not alone and hope is still with you. The peace of God is accessible to you at this very moment. Allow Him to soothe the tempest inside you, even while the gales persist around you. You are cherished, embraced, and supported by Christ.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Elen11
