Tangible
- Niina
- Jul 27, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 13, 2023
The unexpected path that the entire world took this year has been a reluctant ride. I wonder if everyone feels that way. With the word PROMISE resonating in my heart for 2020, I felt like something big must be around the corner but Coronavirus is trying to stifle that vision. Nothing prepared me for the realities of a global pandemic or witnessing shocking events unfolding in our homeland or walk our oldest daughter through these turbulent times. In spite of this, I have found myself in awe by this tangible peace God has granted our family. It has sustained us multiple times when we should be anxious and frightened.
Don't get me wrong, it's been a tough year with lots of transition, change, and continual twists and turns for our family. At times it's felt like we can't quite get a solid grip before the next crazy life events hits. Moving to Thailand, relocating to an more isolated region, and then being thrust into lockdown before truly being settled in our new home was rough. Being looked at fearfully for months because we are unknown foreigners in our new city has been difficult. We also transitioned to homeschool and 3 weeks into lockdown I discovered I was pregnant with baby #3 (I will divulge into that exciting development on my next post). Morning sickness became a very real character in our family life (for the second year in a row). As you can imagine, a lot has been put on the back burner during 2020 while grappling with the realities taking place in our family and the world.
In the middle of the chaos, God continues to remind me of His promises and His faithfulness. I distinctly remember a day where I felt completely overwhelmed by everything happening in the world. I stood in the kitchen with a heavy heart and poured it all out to Jesus. With so much conflicting information splashed all over the news and social media, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. On that specific day, I asked Jesus, "What is the truth? Tell me what to believe!" ... to which He gently responded, "You already know the Truth. You know Me and I am Truth!" I continually remind myself that Truth cannot be found outside of Jesus and His Word. When I keep my eyes on Jesus, I don't have to be afraid of the unknown storms swirling around me.
Second, Jesus reminds me that I'm not alone. It's easy to get really discouraged and feel like "I'm the only one" in times like these. God keeps bringing me back to Elijah's moment of discouragement. After the incredible display of God's power on Mount Caramel, Elijah flees for his life and cries out to God multiple times that he is the only one left who faithfully serves God. In 1 Kings 19:18 God tells Elijah that actually He has persevered 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal. In our day, God has done the same. He has preserved His people who do not bow to fear. They are not coerced by popular opinion, but rely fully of His promises. They hold onto His Truth, His Word, His Mercy, and His Justice. Their hope is in Christ alone!
Are you discouraged by everything you see taking place? Do you feel overwhelmed and helpless because of these "impossible" circumstances? Are you hungry for peace? Jesus has an endless supply of peace and life just for you. He is simply waiting for you to trust Him in the middle of the storm.
Psalm 107 has been at the forefront of my heart the past several months. It's a constant reminder of God's faithfulness and His enduring promise to rescue us when we cry out for help (v. 6, 13, 19, 28). I would encourage you to spend time reflecting and meditating on this psalm as there is much hope to be found in these verses. At the height of the impending Covid lockdown here in Thailand, a dear friend encouraged me with Psalm 107:28-30 and I have held onto this promise closely over the last several months:
"LORD, help!" they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor!" Psalm 107:28-30
Jesus will answer us in our distress! He meets us in our hopelessness, but first we must cry out to Him. Relationships are not meant to be one-sided and Jesus desires relationship with us. Don't hesitate to reach out to God. He will answer you and meet you in the middle of your storm.
Jesus will calm the chaos! Anxiety and fear are no match for God. When He speaks, even the most vicious and dangerous storms must obey. You can trust Jesus to settle outside voices when you feel wary and worn.
Jesus will give you peace and safety! What a welcomed gift stillness is in an increasingly noisy world. We can trust Jesus to guide our steps and bring us safely to our destination. God has a plan for each of us and He will faithfully work on our behalf to see His plan fulfilled in our lives.
The peace of God is tangible and obtainable for each one of us. There are no exceptions or favorites when it comes to Jesus. He longs for relationship with you! Call out to Him and He will answer you. Allow Him to calm your storms and guide you safely to a place of rest.
Lord Jesus, thank you that there is no situation or circumstance outside of Your control. When our hearts are fearful, fill us with Your peace. When we feel powerless, remind us that You are all powerful. When we grieve deeply, comfort our hearts with Your Spirit. When we feel alone, assure us of Your presence. You are the light in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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