Finding God’s Peace When I’m Barely Hanging On!

Does it seem like 2024 has already been quite a year? Yep—I get it and—it’s just barely half over! I feel my human frailty even more than I ever have, yet in my brokenness—I ALSO feel  Almighty God’s strength even greater than ever.

My friend, when trouble bears down and I’m just barely hanging on—God’s voice is what I long to hear above all else.

To hear God’s voice, I must get alone with Him and clear my mind. The Book of Romans calls it “renewing our mind.” We must replace our way of thinking with His. I must rid my mind of the idea that my way is better than His. God’s wisdom and power exceeds that of anyone I know. I must learn to live like I believe it! His presence is that place of consistent safety and peace during the course of all trials.

It is God alone who guards my heart and gives peace to my soul in ALL circumstances!

When we choose to live close to God by following Him in loving obedience, we experience His promises:

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He STORES UP sound WISDOM for the upright; He is a SHIELD to those who walk in integrity, GUARDING the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.”

“THEN you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you.” 

Proverbs 2:6-11

In the midst of trials, WE don’t need to frantically try to solve the problems; but rather, FIRST—draw closer to God who has all the answers. Even when people reject us, ignore, or attack us, it can ALWAYS be an opportunity to watch God turn evil against itself. He knows what is in the heart of everyone—even our enemies. 

God’s shield is huge and when we’re standing under it—the attack is against Him—not us. 

But when we run out from under His shelter by thinking we don’t need Him for EVERYTHING—we are an open target for the enemy. When I’m having anxiety, it’s often because I’ve departed from complete obedience and dependence upon God. It’s a dangerous way to live! We can’t pick and choose which of God’s rules to live by and somehow expect Him to protect us while we’re running right into the foxes den!

God is holy—we must live holy in order to feel the protection of His presence. 

Amidst our trials, when we witness God’s Spirit of calm confidence flowing from us, we realize His way is immeasurably better than ours. When He leads us, we are wise, powerful, and loving—even in the worst of times.

The battle is real and the enemy is seeking to rob us of our glorious freedom in Christ. However, when we seek to follow God and live in loving obedience to Him—we are filled with His presence.

It is only in God’s presence that we possess His peace for every trial!