You know those kinds of days, when the storms around you are so thick is hard to see the next step in front of you, literally or figuratively? Finding the calm in the storm often has a lot less to do with the circumstances surrounding us than it does with what is going on in our heads and our hearts.
Lately, I find myself reminding others, and myself, of the promises our Creator makes to us. The physical, emotional, spiritual and even political storms raging around us are often things we have little or no control over. We can, however, train ourselves to think about our circumstances increasingly from the way God sees them instead of from a powerless human vantage point. Paul tells us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
I can imagine some saying, “Yeah that’s easy for Paul or you to say, but you don’t have my circumstances.” Or “There is no end in sight for my situation. My job, my finances, the stress I have at home.” The list can go on, but there is a way to find calm in the storm.
To start with, try this promise on for size, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
For me in this season, part of my escape route and way to begin transforming my mind looks like tuning out the politics that I used to enjoy. In my opinion, they have increasing become a blood sport. I can turn some of the politics to prayer. It also means replacing that focus with God’s promises from the Bible. For example, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” 2 Corinthians 10:5
Most importantly though, I turn my focus increasingly away from my points of stress. Instead I want to focusing on our Creator who is loving, powerful and ultimately completely in control. I let go. I invite God to help me let go, and I trust He really is who He says He is and He will keep His promises! As I learn to let go and trust, I find calm in the storm, whatever the storm is.
What point of stress is God asking you to let go of? Can you find a Bible verse, or few, to tune into instead?
