Finding Peace

Some days life takes us by surprise.Into our safe routines and the securities we pretend, the realities of life occasionally intrude. Accustomed as we are to handling the usual necessities, we often take God’s provision for granted. We say grace at mealtime, attend the requisite church meeting each week, and try to avoid flagrant— or at least notorious—breaches of “Christian” expectations. These things are normal, we do them by habit, and often assume that we do them by our own power and volition.

We don’t really need God to be “nice” or even “Christian.”

But then God abruptly gets our attention.

Disease invades a loved one, or a wreck breaks a body, or a disaster destroys a home, or an economic downturn wipes out a life’s savings. Suddenly, we’re out of our depth. We can no longer rely on our own strength or abilities; our “nice” religious notions don’t provide adequate answers; our Christian faith—if it is faith—fails to bring peace, understanding, or praise to—or for—our God.

Even strong, dedicated, serious Christians grapple with such life-altering situations. Christian philosophers have long wrestled with questions about evil and calamity in the world. How can and why does a good God allow such things?

Perhaps rather than attempt to answer such questions, we should simply learn how to respond to the hurts. Just as a parent expects obedience from a small child, without the whining “Why?”; I imagine God will be more inclined to grant us insight and understanding after our willing obedience. So before we start to question God or demand that He give us understanding, I suggest we simply obey.

God has not asked us to understand Him; He doesn’t require our approval of His plan. We are not His judges, nor are we His intellectual equals. We are His children. He desires our trusting obedience.

Let me hasten to say that I have not yet mastered unquestioning obedience and confident praise in every unexpected situation. But I have learned that my demand—a demand that I understand or a presumptuous demand that God resolve the situation as I think best—only increases my anxiety and fear, and drives me from rather than draws me to my loving Father.

But my obedience brings peace.

How, or maybe better, what do we obey in times of crisis? I find these Scriptures helpful:

Turn all your anxiety over to God because he cares for you. (1Pe 5:7 GW)

Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. (1Th 5:18 ERV)

Jesus warned His disciples that many events would challenge them, but he gave this simple yet profoundly comforting picture:

When birds are sold, two small birds cost only a penny. But not even one of those little birds can die without your Father knowing it. God even knows how many hairs are on your head.
So don’t be afraid. You are worth more than a whole flock of birds.(Mat 10:29-31 ERV )

When life confronts us and tries us, and we find ourselves overwhelmed, the best—the only satisfying—response is to run to our Heavenly Father as His little children, and find comfort in the fact that He loves us, He knows best, and we are safe as long as we are in His care and protection.

And that’s where He wanted us, all along.