From In Touch. I'm keeping you in prayer sister.
October 10, 2007 -- Is Peace Possible in Bad Times? -- John 15:1-5
Everyone experiences times of emotional chaos that make it seem impossible to sense peace. But the Lord can provide inner contentment in even the darkest and most turbulent periods of our life.
How can we have peace in any circumstance? The key is abiding in Jesus Christ, which means putting our faith in Him and trusting He will strengthen us through any hardship. As Christians, we are inseparably connected to the Lord, just as branches are attached to the vine. Life-giving nutrients run through the plant to every shoot. And so it is with Christ and His followers. His peace flows into us. No matter what is done to us or how life disappoints, His nourishment will not be cut off.
In the days leading up to His crucifixion, Jesus assured His followers that He would continue to care and provide: "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, emphasis added). In other words, nothing can stop His peace from reaching us. If our contentment dries up, it is because we doubt God will keep His promise to watch over us.
Every person will, at some point, face hardship, but no believer has to give in to anxiety. We have an awesome God caring for us. If we trust Him to see us through our challenges, He will pour His strength, guidance, and comfort into our lives. And in Him, we will find peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).
