WE LIVE IN A TIME of worry, fear, and anxiety. It’s important to acknowledge that these feelings are a natural part of the human experience. Christians might wish they could be exempt from worry. But the truth is, not only do we feel anxious, but we also struggle with guilt about our anxiety. This leads us to question whether it’s even possible to let go of fear and live without constant anguish.
MINISTRY TRANSITIONS
Ministry transitions often cause ministry families to lose their peace, becoming anxious and fearful. These times are difficult and frightening. As human beings, we tend to root ourselves where we serve, loving and being loved by the people we work with. We become like trees with deep roots, pulled out of our comfort and taken to new soil to grow new roots and bear fruit.
In 2015, my husband and I received a call from the North American Division just as we were finishing a decade of work in conference ministry. We were certain that this call was not God’s will. Our hearts were broken and our souls overwhelmed by the prospect of moving across the country into the unknown and uncertainty of a new chapter, leaving behind our loved ones and everything we had built.
But as we prayed about it and placed our future in God’s hands, we were filled with peace and assurance that He had called us to a new chapter. We were able to move forward with confidence.
LIFE EVENTS
We live in a world that is upside down, fraught with numerous challenges that spark concerns about the future. Life often feels unpredictable, with issues like financial instability, health concerns, and natural disasters becoming more prevalent. In these circumstances, finding stability and peace can seem daunting.
As the world changes, it feels as if we are adrift, striving to protect our families and communities in a secure space. However, the effort often feels like swimming against the tide.
FINDING PEACE
In essence, the journey to finding peace while surrounded by life’s challenges is a continuous practice of surrendering to God, trusting in His plans, and actively seeking His presence. As we navigate life’s unpredictable tides, let us hold steadfast to the truth that God’s peace surpasses all understanding and is our constant refuge.
The Bible tells us that when our minds are filled with doubt and our hearts troubled, our compassionate Lord will calm us and give us new hope and joy. When our anxious inner thoughts overwhelm us, He comforts and encourages us (Luke 12:22–32). Psalm 37:1 says, “Do not fret.” The word fret refers to a state of extreme emotional disturbance. Next, verse 3 asks us to trust. Verse 4 tells us to delight. Verse
5 calls us to commit. And verse 7 invites us to rest in the Lord.
SURRENDERING TO GOD
Having God’s peace doesn’t mean we won’t feel anxious at times. Yet, even in those moments, we can rest assured that God is with us and is more powerful than our anxiety. Instead of dreading the unknown future, we can entrust our will and desires to Jesus. We continue communicating with Him, letting His guiding presence keep our course. He goes before us, walking with us and removing the obstacles on our path
(Deuteronomy 31:8).
What would happen if instead of worrying about your future, you put all this in God’s hands, saying, “No matter what happens, I trust You with the results. Lord, Your thoughts are far better than mine, and Your ways are far higher than mine.” As you do this, an amazing experience begins to happen. God fills you with His peace (Philippians 4:6, 7).
