In the midst of Christmas preparations, this week has been stress-filled so the following three stories were helpful for me. I pray they are equally helpful and hopeful for you.
Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me. But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord – now and always. – Psalm 131:1-3
My son took this picture of Jackson in the middle of a busy mall. Jackson wasn’t being fussy or asking for anything. He just decided to take a nap in the midst of a hectic place full of busy shoppers. Jackson, like any two year old can be full of nervous energy but not this time. Mainly because he was tired and also, he was with his dad and when Jackson is with his dad, he feels safe and secure even in the midst of a busy mall. This quiet moment may be short-lived but it’s similar to this psalm’s picture of childlike trust in the Lord.
In the midst of our hectic, chaotic lives, could we ever be that peaceful?
The promise is there. “Put your hope in the Lord – now and always.” Whether you are in darkness or light, joy or sadness, we are called to put something similar to Jackson’s childlike trust in his daddy, in our Lord. To know God is actively at work even though you may be surrounded with busyness, pain, worries and stress. You can lie down and take a nap knowing that God is still there. (Adapted from Praying Through the Bible)
“Lord, thank you for calling me to childlike trust. You are utterly dependable and faithful! I come to you in humility and ask you to quiet my racing heart, my busy mind. As a small child quietly resting with his father, may I rest in you, depend on you and trust in you fully this day. Help me to leave all my burdens with you and enjoy being in your presence.” – Praying Through the Bible
“It is not our trust that keeps us, but the God in whom we trust who keeps us.” – Oswald Chambers
A Society of St. Andrew Devotion put it another way.
The Prince of Peace, where can he be found? Where do you need Jesus as the Prince of Peace in your life? These have become deeply personal questions to me over the past year, as my life has been changed by living with Parkinson’s Disease. The most important change, to me, is that I have grown closer to God.
We all get so busy as we try to navigate life through the lenses of what we feel that we “have” to do. It is only when we pause—or are stopped by circumstances—that we realize God is in control. I have spent a lot of time worrying this year, and I’ve had many sleepless nights. My future was uncertain, and I felt I needed to be in control. What would I do? How could I prepare for the unknown? I finally concluded that I could not solve my situation by myself, that I had to give it all to God.
Through prayer and time spent with God, I have come to the true peace in my life—the peace that passes all understanding. Jesus gave his life on the cross for the world’s sins. So when the world comes crashing down at our feet, we need to seek the true Prince of Peace, Jesus.
Prayer: Dear God, let us remember, when the world seems to be crumbling beneath us, that you are in control, and you are the true source of peace. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen. ~Scott Pearl, Lynchburg, VA
It’s interesting how God finds so many ways to bring us peace in the middle of life’s storms. Here is a third way to look at it.
Whatever storms you may be going through, remember that you are not alone. The God of peace is looking out for you, watching over you, protecting you, comforting you, providing for you. And know that your storm may be an opportunity and a ministry for others.
