At Peace In The Storm

Have you ever had one of those days when everything—absolutely everything—went, not only as you planned, but exceeded your wildest imagination of the most perfect day? The kids woke up on their own, dressed themselves, and brought you breakfast in bed before they walked to the bus stop? Your presentation resulted in a promotion, 100% pay raise, and won you company-wide accolades—all before 9:00 a.m.? The Reader’s Digest van actually showed up in your driveway with the $1,000,000 prize?

While such astonishing days theoretically are possible, our days typically flow at a frenzied pace, sometimes causing us to struggle just to survive the emotional, physical, and spiritual strains of living. Deadlines. Company sales quotas. Corporate downsizing. Family tension. How can we find peace in the midst of such surging storms?

The world has set forth its prescriptions. Magazines offer “Ten Ways to Beat Busyness.” Corporate trainers promote “proven techniques for stress-free living.” Travel agents claim peace is available in Hawaii—for only $3,000! (This one sounds most promising...until the credit card bill comes due.)
In our candid moments, however, we realize that techniques alone don’t produce lasting serenity. Our excitement over new programs for stress-free living can quickly cool. And, even an island paradise cannot guarantee sustained contentment for a troubled soul.

God knows that peace cannot be compressed neatly into a program or a place, but in a dynamic relationship with a Person—Jesus (John 14:27). While the peace offered by the world is short-lived and shallow, the peace of Christ is immeasurable and eternal. His peace transcends human understanding and earthly circumstances (Philippians 4:7,12).

By remaining meaningfully connected to Christ, we can be at peace when corporate representatives invade our offices. We can experience serenity in the midst of screaming kids, ringing phones, and unexpected visits from relatives. We even can remain calm when our car breaks down on the way to a job interview or when death makes its unwelcome visit.

The real secret to peace during the irritating storms of life is to abide in Christ. Such peace is not an escape from the irritants--or challenges--of this broken world. On the contrary, its fully embracing those irritants and challenges with the faith that our future is secure in Jesus Christ. And, it further reflects a conviction that God's sovereign will utlimately will prevail...on earth as it is in heaven. May God grant us such peace.