Peace In the Midst of the Storm

    Fear! Haven’t we all experienced it to a certain degree? The unimaginable has become reality. You have seen the long lines, empty store shelves, barren roads and closed businesses. Churches and schools closed their doors, special events were cancelled, weddings were limited to a small amount of people, which all tends to bring a SHOCK into our lives.

     As Franklin Roosevelt stated, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” In these uncertain times the biggest obstacle we face is the negative effects that excessive fear and panic leaves in our lives. Fear can be very real, and we cannot just tell ourselves to stop fearing. The only way to subside fear is to turn to something bigger than ourselves. Does God allow pandemics to remind humans that they have a choice to make? Will they turn toward God or away from Him? God wants us to make the choice to believe and trust Him (Psalms 40 and 46). Proper fear motivates us to prepare our hearts, since no one knows the future.

     As I grow closer to God and feel His infinite love toward me, I am learning that I have no need to fear in His presence. For I the Lord God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Isaiah 41:13. Peace is not an absence of turmoil. Perfect peace is found in the midst of the storm. May we turn to Jesus, the only place we can find rest for our hearts.

     Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27