Settled in the Unsettled: Peace Through the Storm

Recently, I saw a picture of a mother parrot with her young tucked safely under her wings for protection against the harsh weather. The little ones were simply sitting, enjoying being shielded from the elements – not worried or fretful – almost oblivious to what was happening around them. They were safe. They were protected. They were secure. Even though perhaps unbeknownst to them. Now if that is how God has so wired a bird, how much more so will He place us under “His wings” of protection. Moses writes in Psalm 91:4 (NIV): “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Indeed, it is His faithfulness which is our protection, shield, fortification and peace.

What weight can sink us when we have “the everlasting arms” for our support? When God is our portion we are blessed indeed and we can be settled even under the greatest outward miseries. Christians are to rise above earthly fears and anxieties through the power of the indwelling Spirit. Paul writes in Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.” Indeed, the Prophet Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV): “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.” And a believers hope rises above worldly trinkets and desires. When God is our portion there is comfort indeed. Scripture tells us that “no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” – not perfect but blameless.

God’s ways are sometimes so unsearchable and deep that a believer can be left shaken. He often exercises even – or perhaps particularly (think Job) – His dearest children to the brink of despair. We must look up and consider the Word of God for our peace and prayer for our power. He never promised a world sans tribulations or pain. Indeed, He often uses this sharp tool to teach His best protégés to keep their eyes fixed on Him through His Word and the power of His Holy Spirit to be a shining light for all the world to see. It is easy to claim faith when our walks are pain free and light – many can accomplish this. But believers shine the most brightly when we remain settled and peaceful in and through our trials and tribulations, knowing God has our best interest at heart in all He allows. And He has a plan for each life to prosper and not harm and one to give us a hope and a future. We take our pain and turn it into a platform for His glory. Think Joseph who God took from prison to the position next to Pharaoh. We must not to focus inordinately on the “why” of the present rather how will God use what He has allowed to bring Him glory and us much good.