How can you find the peace you crave when overwhelmed by life? Fiona explains.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).
God knows what’s on my heart.
He knows what’s on my mind.
He understands what I feel.
He understands the thoughts that might make sense to no-one else.
He knows what I’m passionate about.
He knows what I fear and what makes me anxious.
He knows the details of what I’m praying about–even when I don’t.
That’s pretty amazing–sometimes a bit scary–but mostly it’s comforting.
It was Monday–a day when I work a few hours–so I was on the train going to work. Usually I read, but this day I was finding it hard to concentrate–so much was on my mind.
I was praying for people I care about, who had stuff going on–some really big things–and I was overwhelmed. So many times in the previous week I’d thought about the time God confirmed to me that “He is never overwhelmed”.*
But I still was! It was all too much for me and I was exhausted.
I remember staring out the window. . . no words came to mind to pray. There was just too much, too many needs, too many thoughts I wanted to remember and care about.
Then God brought to mind some words of a song I’d not heard for years and could only remember the chorus of, “God is Never Overwhelmed.”
But that was enough to remind me that I didn’t have to feel so worried, so anxious, so overwhelmed–because God had all this. He was taking care of it.
I needed only to remember He was offering me His peace–His wonderful peace–freely. Not only to me, but also to those I was praying for or about too.
God cares so much.
God loves so much.
God offers so much.
That comfort brought peace that did “sweep over my spirit”.
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You meet us where we are. It’s hard to comprehend how much You love us and care about us. Thank You for the peace You offer, that can calm our troubled minds and sweep into our souls with those fathomless billows of love–no matter what’s going on. Amen.
About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is thankful that God walks each step of her life with her, and that He is teaching her new things as she learns to live with chronic back pain. She enjoys finding time for reading, writing, and photography, and to share those things with others. You can contact her in the Sunroom, or read more of her writing on her blog there.
What brings you peace when you are facing a new challenge, or just the continuing challenge of life with chronic illness?
There is something beautiful about the old hymns and this one Fiona shares above is no exception. If you are looking for “Peace, Peace, Wonderful Peace” slow down for a few minutes and watch this video with this hymn written by Warren D. Cornell and W. George Cooper. Hugs. -Lisa
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 