We all know how hard finding peace can be in a world so fraught with turmoil, but there is hope. We can say, “it is well with my soul,” when we know who is in control.
Finding Peace When Life is Hard
by Muriel Gregory
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13 ESV
It is a warm summer day. The sun is shining bright. The joyful birdsong fills the air. Imagine yourself on the shore of a lake on this beautiful hot day. You are resting in the shade of a tree, admiring the sun glistening over the serene lake. All is well. All is peaceful.
Suddenly a group of boisterous kids dashes to the shore. With screams and laughter, they pick up rocks of various sizes and proceed to throw them in the lake. I smile as I recall doing the exact same thing as a child. We experimented with different rocks to see who could throw them the furthest or make the biggest splash.
When Finding Peace is Hard
In an instant, my peaceful scene was disturbed. The quiet, serene lake morphed into a mini ocean with waves and ripples.
As fast as they came, the unruly kids left to pursue other great adventures. The ripples grew and grew and slowly disappeared until the effect of the rocks were only memories. Just like that the serenity of the lake was restored and reflected once again the glorious sun.
Life can throw you many curves balls. Some are small. Others are quite large. Sometimes they come in a series. Just like the lake, these events create ripples in our lives and disturb our serenity.
A child misbehaving – one rock
Financial issues – one stone
Marital disagreements – one stone
Upcoming deployment – one rock
Illness – one rock
Death in the family – one stone
Tensions at work – one rock
Car repairs – one stone
Appliances break down – one rock
Finding Peace is a Choice
We have a choice. We can succumb to life’s circumstances and let our day be ruled by the ripple effect. Or, we can be like the lake, absorbing the rocks, allowing the ripples to run their course knowing that soon (very soon) we will once again reflect the glory of the Son.
Oh, how I wish I could prevent those rocks from disturbing the surface of my lake. I long for days, months of complete tranquility and stillness. Against all hope I hang on those “perfect” days and wish for the rest of my life to stay that way.
We all know this is futile thinking and, soon enough, another rock will crash through the surface. Complaining about the size of the stone or the extent of the ripples will not change anything. Nor will it help my attitude.
“My peace I give you.”
John 14:27 ESV
His words resonate in the darkest places of my heart. This truth fills me with peace.
“Be still my child and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10).” Yes, I will stay still and find peace amid the ripples and rocks falling in my life. I will declare your beauty and your glory because you will never forsake me and you know me and see me.
Peace is never the absence of trouble, but instead, I find it by being anchored to the one who holds me in the middle of the storm.
Peace is knowing who is in control.
When my focus moves from the rock to the Rock of my salvation, I can joyfully proclaim all is well. The ripples will never prevent my lake from reflecting the glistening sun.
Horatio Spafford wrote the famous hymn It Is Well With My Soul after he and his wife experienced the tragic loss of their 4 daughters. The beautifully crafted words point to the origin of our hope and our peace. Christ is the center. Christ is our anchor.
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Bethel Music released a few years a beautiful song that I to share with you today, titled It is Well. Pray as you listen to this moving song. Let the words minister to you. Make it your anthem, when life bombards you with rocks. Let your heart sing…
Listen and watch Bethel Music’s worship video here.
