Peace in Him

Ever feel like you are hanging on by a thread, like your whole world is about to collapse, wondering how you can hold on any longer? Life has a way of piling up on you at times. For me, this out-of-control feeling can leave me spiraling downward. I have always been the fixer; I want to find a way to make things better no matter what. When I can’t, it leaves me feeling useless, and then I start questioning why things have to happen. Why do people have to suffer, why does cancer exist, why does divorce happen, why are children sick, why is the world so full of hate? The list goes on and on. Then I realize my focus is on what is around me instead of who is inside of me. 

You see, life is going to be hard; Jesus said in John 16:33, “In the world, you will have tribulation.” We are going to face many trials, heartaches, and troubles. That is why the rest of this verse is so essential for us to look at.

The entire verse is a beautiful promise and a fact that we can hold onto when life is spiraling out of control. 

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Let’s look at that verse closely, “In me you have peace.” 

 That didn’t say~ in health, happiness, financial success, spouses, or children, now don’t get me wrong, all of those things are great. However, none of those things will bring peace. You see, true peace comes from trusting and knowing that God is in control and He has us all in His hands. We may not like the circumstances going on around us, but He has promised that “all things work together for the good of those that love Him.” (Romans 8:28) So we need to trust and rest in Him.

But take heart; I have overcome the world.

This verse is powerful when we realize that our Savior  understands every temptation, heartache, and suffering that we can ever experience. He knows what it feels like to be tempted by Satan after being left alone, hungry, and thirsty in the desert. Jesus knows the heartache we feel at the casket of a loved one. He knows the pain of rejection after his closest disciples deny knowing Him and turn their back on Him in His hour of need. Then words can’t describe the pain that He went through on that cross just for us who continually sin against Him.

So when the world delivers crushing blows and you feel overwhelmed, defeated, and feel like you are at the end of your rope and hanging on by a thread, look up and ask God to catch you as you fall into His arms. Then, rest in His peace and believe that no matter what the circumstances look like, you can trust that He is working as he whispers this verse to you,  

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NIV

Dear Lord, help us when we get overwhelmed to come to sit at your feet and worship you and remember your promises that no matter how dark the days look, you are our light. You have overcome the world so that it will not overcome us. Our strength lies in you and you alone, Lord. Help us keep our eyes on you and trust you as we take our next steps forward. Thank you for your promise never to leave nor forsake us. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen.