Even
in the midst of the storm, Jesus was able to lay down in the boat and sleep. He
bids us to come to Him when we are weary and heavily laden, so that He can give
us this same level of peace and rest (Matthew 11:28).
Mankind
relentlessly attempts to create a utopia in which to dwell. We surround our self
with fashion, comforts and toys meant to bring joy to our soul. However, we
soon tire of them. Life is full of trouble and toil no matter what we do.
Although
joyous events do occur, evil eventually comes knocking at our door again. Devastating
circumstances soon follow one right after the other. Some of our choices, or
the choices that others impose upon us, bring us grief and despair.
The
daily news entails multiple accounts of damaging deeds playing out in our life,
as well as around the world. Random and senseless shootings, terrorist
bombings, human trafficking, abortions, and abuse of all kinds creep into our sphere
in this world.
In
an effort to keep our self safe, we buy alarm systems for our homes, stockpile
guns, purchase dried food that lasts for years, install panic rooms in our
house, exchange currency for gold and silver, move to deep mountain homes, etc.
However,
God's grace and peace in the midst of our trials are ours as a gift from Him
and His precious Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the God of all solace, and
the Father of compassion who calms our storms (2 Corinthians 1:2-4).
Our
comforts abound because of the penalty Jesus paid for our sins. His provision
for us is an example to others of His loving kindness and mercy toward those
who trust in Him alone (2 Corinthians 1:5-7).
Prayer:
Father
God, our heart breaks with news of tragedy in every corner of the earth, even
right here in our own town. We pray for Your soon return, so that You can right
the wrongs, which cause all of this suffering. Help us to capture, from the
seeds of suffering, all the resources we need to grow spiritually and to
inspire others to trust in You alone.
In
the midst of our difficulties, You make a way for us to enjoy peace that exceeds
all human reasoning. You teach us, that in spite of the whirlwind of chaos
around us, we know that Christ is with us and in us, giving us the strength to
withstand the cruelty of life and allowing us to enjoy His tranquility and
comfort in the peaceful eye of the storm.
Thought
for the Day:
Tears
often fill our eyes and flow down our cheeks, usually unbidden, yet impossible
to quell because we live in a world, which ignores God’s love; Jesus sagely
reminds us that we will have tribulation in our lifetime, however, He comforts
us with the truths that He already overcame the world and He abides within us.
-
John 16:33
