Peace
A Perspective From the Midst of a Storm
When I was asked to co-lead one of our devotionals on anxiety and peace several weeks ago, I thought, Yes! My testimony! It makes sense why I was asked to help with this specific topic!
What I didn’t realize was that I would need this night as I weathered a new storm.
As my kids fell asleep beside me, I wondered how I could possibly help with this study on peace while my husband was in the hospital.
If I’m helping guide a discussion on anxiety, how am I finding peace right now?
Gratitude
My initial reaction to stressful situations used to be to let what-if scenarios play out in my mind. Getting completely lost in them, the emotional toll would spill over into my actions. I’d find myself crying or angry, yet nothing had truly happened. I made it up.
Over time, I practiced finding gratitude when I caught myself in those moments. I’d remind myself of the blessings around me, including simple things that I usually take for granted, like waking up in the morning. I’d be crying, voice breaking, as I would say out loud, “I’m thankful for…”
In those moments, I found a way to establish myself in the present. To remind myself that those things did not exist. Not now, and possibly not ever. If they did happen, well:
I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.
When I was able to sit down and fully wrap my head around the fact that my husband was in the hospital, I realized that I’d automatically turned to gratitude as my initial reaction instead of the what-if:
Praise God that they took my husband to the ER instead of sending him home to sleep it off.
And I held on to that. I’m still holding onto it, so I don’t get caught in the replay of that day again. It’s keeping me grounded, but I can’t say that it was automatic at first. It’s not natural for me to be grateful in a difficult time. It has taken practice and effort even to notice that a change is happening.
God is actively reshaping my response to anxiety and stress.
Community
As we sat in the emergency room expecting to be discharged soon, we talked about what had happened. We discussed what we’d do when we got home. I playfully chastised him for chugging too much water and probably throwing off his electrolyte balance before a physical test. He promised to take better care next time.
Then the doctor came in, bubbly and optimistic, and let us know he’d need to stay overnight for further assessment. While his heart was the one requiring further evaluation, mine wasn’t far behind. My head jumped back to my paramedic training, trying to make sense of the situation, but it was just a knotted mess that was reluctant to let me organize it.
I found myself trying to hold it together. To find something to do. Run an EKG, give meds, start fluids, etc. But I couldn’t do anything. I didn’t work here. All I could think of was getting my kids something to eat and offering to bring the nurses something back from Dairy Queen.
I just needed something to do.
So as I sat with my back to the restaurant, watching my kids chow down on chicken strips and ice cream, I contemplated whether to call anyone. I didn’t want to admit the situation out loud. Tears threatened to spill over like a waterfall as soon as I opened my mouth. Yet I knew I needed someone.
Satan was trying to keep me alone, the thoughts playing in my head of how independent I should be. Everyone could rely on me, but I didn’t need to bother anyone else.
That is a lie.
We are called into fellowship with one another. God reminded me that two are better than one, and a threefold cord is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). That we are to carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). That I was not meant to carry this alone.
And He provided.
Family checked in from afar, offering to come stay with us if he had to stay several nights. New friends offered to watch our kids or bring dinner. God was there in every offer, every text, every call…
He reminded me that I’m not weathering this storm alone.
Prayer/Remembrance
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
God is good. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He is a fortress that I can run to in times of trouble. And think, even being inside a fortress, the storm is still raging on outside, but the ability to know that there is safety and clarity here makes a world of difference.
He keeps us grounded and present.
And when we pray? This verse doesn’t say it’s just one-and-done. God doesn’t say, “You’ve got one time to present this request to me. I’ll stamp it yes or no. Don’t bring it back again.”
No.
Although my God can answer in one prayer, Jesus tells a parable in Luke 18 about a persistent widow who continually petitions a judge for justice. At the end, He tells His disciples in Luke 18:7-8 (NIV), “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly.”
When our heart is aligned with God’s will, when it is in the right place (and yes, He knows), He is quick to answer those who call out to Him DAY AND NIGHT. Praying is not a one-and-done type of ordeal.
Oh, no.
We keep bringing it back to God and remember who He is and what He promises, as in Luke 18!
Where does that leave us?
Here I am making sure that my husband is taking his new medication, following up with doctors, and cutting back on caffeine. Do I have to do it? No. He’s a grown man and can take care of himself. I want to help somehow, and this is how I can think to do so. And to remind myself to eat, rest, and keep moving forward. (That’s a topic for another day!)
Take this. Take my testimony. Let it encourage you when you’re not sure you’re doing the right thing. God is working! Apply His word to your life and flourish! Don’t let anxiety and fear be in control.
Continue being grateful. (Don’t get stuck on what-ifs.)
Keep meeting with good friends. (Don’t isolate yourself.)
Bring your prayers and petitions to God, over and over again. (He’s listening.)
His Spirit dwells within you. That means His peace does, too. (Galations 5:22-23)
There are instances where anxiety does need professional help. God blessed people with the ability to help you cope. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor if anxiety is affecting your daily life!
You always know that we are just a phone call away! We always want to help in anyway we can. We love y’all, dearly!🥰🥰🥰🥰