Choose Peace

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”” John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭

Peace is such a powerful thing. It is so easy to lose when we do not remain in God. When we try to do things in our own strength and power, peace quickly fades. I believe, we have to let peace be our guide, especially when we are walking though difficult things.

This promise from scripture reminds us that we will face tribulations.

Tribulation- Strong’s G2347 – thlipsis Oppression, affliction, distress, straits, trouble (Great trouble or suffering)

This passage also reminds us that God has already overcome; so if we remain in him we may choose peace as we face the trouble. I believe it really is a choice based on where our focus is all we walk through things.

Once before 2018 a job loss caused my family to have to relocate rather abruptly. We ended up having to stay with my mother and we lost our mode of transportation. It was anything but peaceful when we walked through that time.

There have been three times since 2008 when my husband or I lost our job. It would have been easy to lose peace during that time. We had more to lose. We owned our home and had a mortgage, not just a rental payment. We no longer had extended family we could fall back on.

Through each of those three times, I admit ai had my moments. I let the “what if’s” cause fear to creep in. When I stopped and refocused my attention to the Lord, His peace filled our journey. He carried us through.

He provided for us while we did our part. Each time of tribulation lasted three to four months. Yet God was with us every step of the way. He provided when we had no job. He protected us from the devourer. His peace guided us.

Everyone walks through tribulations. Jesus did not say “if you have..” but He said “you will have…” tribulation. It is up to me to choose how I want to walk though it.

When I see tribulation coming, I check my focus. I know it is easier to stay “in Him” than it is to go to Him in the midst of the trials. I have to choose to remain in Him. Then I can have His peace that surpasses all understanding. When I don’t have peace, I have to chose to turn to Him. Then I can walk in the peace needed to walk successfully through trials.

Prayer – Lord, thank you for the warning that I will have tribulations. Thank you even more for already overcoming the world. Thank you for providing peace when I choose to remain in you. Help me to choose peace.