Peace in the Storm

When we first visited Kauai, Hawaii, where we now live, our daughter and son-in-law were stationed on the island. The area had recently experienced the ravages of Hurricane Iniki. As Jim and I drove around the island, we noticed not only the remaining evidence of destruction, but also the huge warning sirens on every beach and in every town. Having lived through a 6.7 earthquake in Southern California, we could well imagine something of the fear the islanders must have felt as those sirens wailed on that fateful day. But we could also imagine the peace they must have felt when those same devices finally sounded the all-clear signal.

Can you imagine having perfect peace when the sirens are signaling a storm or when the hurricane is actually roaring around you? That, my friend, is the kind of peace God makes available to you and me for the storms of life. Many people think of peace as the absence of problems, as the feeling that is experienced when all is well. But the peace of the Lord is not related to circumstances at all. In fact, God’s peace comes to us and endures…regardless of life’s circumstances.

Notice these truths about this peace that comes from God.

• Our peace has nothing to do with daily challenges or crises, and everything to do with knowing that our times are in God’s hands.
• Our peace has nothing to do with the conditions of our life, and everything to do with knowing that God is all-sufficient.
• Our peace is an inward repose and serenity of soul that indicates a heart at rest — regardless of our cir­cumstances—as we place complete confidence in God minute by minute.

True spiritual peace comes with knowing that our heav­enly Father is continually with us — and indeed He is! God is omnipresent and therefore fully aware of every detail of our life — at every moment and in every place. He knows our needs—at all times and in every situation. As Psalm 139:7-12 teaches, we can never be anyplace — from the heights of heaven to the depths of the sea—where God is not present with us and available to us. Key to our peace, then, is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God, no matter what the conflict.

Peace also comes with acknowledging that God will supply our every need as well as acknowledging His con­stant presence. The scriptures are filled with His promises that He is sufficient to face the circumstances challenge our peace.

Philippians 4:19 — “God [will] supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Do you realize what these promises mean to you and me? They mean that we will never have a real need, an imminent fear, or a challenging circumstance that God is not able to meet. What a reason for peace that truth is!

A Prayer to Pray: Lord, You lead me and you know what I need at every step along the way. Your peace is my refuge. I am blessed.

Read Peace in the Storm on Elizabeth & Jim George.