No matter how throbbing life gets, it is possible to find peace when armed with God’s love
Are you in the middle of a storm trying to patch it all together? Life is tough and does not get any easier each day. We are in an unprecedented time, especially now that social media has taken center stage. In addition to personal pressure, responsibilities, and insecurities, we internalize what we see in the media. This has made it difficult to remain calm when tossed by the wind. We’ve all experienced that chronic moment where anxiety lashes us with a whip, whether it’s the death of a loved one, a terminal health issue, or a dismissal from a dream job. How do you then structure your mind to accept solace in difficult times?
You might be familiar with the hymn:
“It Is Well With Soul” if you grew up in a conservative Christian setting.
“When peace like a river, attendeth my way…It is well, it is well, with my soul.”
A sense of relief and reassurance comes with every line of the lyrics.
Horatio G. Spafford, a prominent presbyterian Christian elder who wrote the hymn, encountered the most tragic experience ever. He had lost his son to sickness, his four daughters perished in a sea shipwreck, and all his real estate investment burnt to ashes in the Great Chicago Fire.
Despite having experienced such a huge tragedic loss, how did Horatio find peace amidst this chaotic time? He deeply rooted his faith in God. When you give less audience to negativity, your soul embraces inner peace.
There is no one-way approach to finding comfort and peace in difficult times. But we will explore specifics to help you find your way back when you stumble into a sinkhole.
Here are the ways to cherish solace during turbulent times;
#1. Tread on the path of truth.
When going through heinous life moments, we often allow our minds to magnify the situations to only the worst possible outcome. And this lets the heart wander in fear and disbelief, seeking validation outside God’s promises. That is why the psalmist says:
Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14
No matter how hard the burden is, you must pivot from darkness to light, declutter from lies, and cling to truth; only then will you find peace and bask in God’s faithful promises.
#2. Take a deep breath and surrender control to God.
Despite Jesus being on the boat, the disciples freaked out. Their faith could not hold water because they were too terrified. They were perplexed by how someone could be deeply asleep amid such a heavy storm. This tells you that God got you regardless of the seemingly unending circumstances. Certain things are beyond our human understanding and control, so we must surrender to Him. Philippians 4:7 reminds us that “the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
#3. Meditate on scripture to ignite your faith.
When you enlighten your spirit with the word of God, you can easily recite any scripture to encourage yourself in difficult times. The word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. When consumed by it, hope is restored. Worry, stress, or anxiety ceases. Psalm 119:105
#4. Serenade your mind with soul-lifting worship songs.
Good music has a way of uplifting the soul. The mind feels calm and relaxed even when uncertainty kicks in. Listen to a good worship song; you can always create a free worship playlist on Spotify. Music distracts your mind away from the swirling atmosphere and refreshes your soul. Little wonder why David played the lyre for Saul when a harmful spirit haunted him.
#5. Express Gratitude
Gratitude proves that you acknowledge that things were once good, maybe not so good at the moment. But you are grateful and appreciative. And 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 remind us to rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances.
#6. Engage with other
You may think you are alone until you reach out to others. Friends and family are a pillar of support and compassion. You need them in good, bad, and ugly times. Talking can help relieve your stress hormone when you feel overwhelmed, inciting joy and a feeling of wholeness.
#7. Quiet your heart for His voice.
The Holy Spirit is more than an advocate; He is a comforter. When you quiet your heart, you will hear Him. He comes with a warm feeling and a reassuring voice. Have you ever had a thought or feeling that made you feel peaceful or helped you make a hard decision? That’s how the Holy Spirit speaks to us.
Other times, the Holy Spirit might inspire other people to help you. God sometimes uses us to help share His love for His children. If you feel prompted to serve someone, the Holy Spirit may encourage you to reach out.
A wrap
Appreciate nature. After all, God brings peace and serenity through nature. The petals of a perennial freesia pushing through hard earth, ocean waves crashing, a pine tree pointing toward the heavens – all of these remind you that God is in control and He is in the business of bringing beauty from ashes.
Remember, you are not alone. We all experience these unexpected trials. But God promises to offer peace and comfort if we continually seek Him.
Recite the scripture below and pray for peace in your present situation.
“May the Lord of peace always give you peace in every way. The Lord be with you all”. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV.
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