Have you noticed how there is a general calm and steadiness to the ways of nature? Plants grow, water flows, tides change, animals live their daily lives, and cycles repeat. Being in nature seems to bring a wave of peace over us and in us. It is a stress reliever.
For ourselves as created beings, we struggle with our own growth, moves, changes, and living. There is tension as we wrestle to control what we lack and how we want things to be. Doesn’t that get tiring, not to mention frustrating?
There is a way, though, in all of life’s ups and down, to have peace: entrusting ourselves to our creator.
Going against our natural inclinations, we trust God by surrendering to him. We admit that, in his omniscience and sovereignty, his ways and timings are best. We recall that, in his power and love, his faithfulness has been proven.
After Jesus had spoken emphatically about the cost of following him, he and disciples got into a boat to cross the lake (Mattew 8:18-27). Not surprisingly to us, when a storm suddenly arose the disciples were afraid. Jesus, however, was calmy asleep - the creator of water not affected by its turbulence. He asked his scared disciples, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” (verse 26, NASB). Perhaps the timing of the storm gave a picture of how following Jesus takes us through difficult situations beyond our control. In them, we are to trust in Jesus’ care and leading. He is our source of peace.
The apostle Paul wrote about having peace, even though he suffered much hardship for the sake of Christ. We read in Paul’s letter to the Philippians (4:4-9) that we, too, can receive God’s indescribable peace by giving over our concerns to him – with earnestness, joy, and thankfulness – and by focusing our mind and heart on the goodness of God.
Is there something weighing heavily on your mind, giving you the unsettled feeling of confusion or despair? Take time to praise your loving, almighty Father for who he is as you read about him in your Bible. Recall the ways he has cared for you in the past, and thank him. Then, release your concerns to God so you can receive his peace as you live in the ways he knows is best for you. Trust him.
The LORD himself said, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV).
God, the creator and sustainer, is capable of not only orchestrating the ways of nature, but also caring for you as you entrust your life to him each day. “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV, letter N in Keep on Track).
Deepen your peace with God as you set your mind on him daily using Keep on Track.