A Peace the World Cannot Give

It seems like everywhere we turn, there is troubling news: financial crisis, disaster, crime, or a new strain of harmful virus that has been unleashed. It can be pretty depressing and discouraging if we focused on the negative things dancing wildly around the world.

Not that I am in denial of what is happening around us; as a matter of fact as a wife and mother, I have to guard my heart from worrying at times about a lot of things. That is not easy. When your kids are stricken with a cold or flu, you are probably worried about whether or not they’ve contracted the H1N1.

After watching the news about children who disappear when walking home from a friend’s house, you begin to worry that it could be your child. It can happen to anyone and you may even worry so much that you no longer allow them to take that old familiar path they used to skip so innocently along with their friends. It's prudent to be concerned about the safety and well-being of our children, but sometimes we can worry so much that we are constantly at war with our mind and emotions.

Really, is there a way to truly live worry free? For many, no…many of us move through our days focusing  on the constant turmoil swirling around our lives; that worry will only fuel a spirit of fear. Timidity can paralyze us to the point where we stop enjoying the abundant life that God has given us.

Am I saying that we should be careless and not worry about anything? Not at all! I have things that concern me and cause me to worry, but I make a conscious effort in my own life to be free from constant worry.

For example, my son developed asthma at three years old. Then, a year later we discovered he was allergic to peanuts. These are two very serious illnesses that I ought to be worried about. But, instead of living life constantly worrying the asthma and peanut allergy, I began a journey of finding out how I can help my son prevent these two potentially fatal illnesses from affecting his life.

Sometimes we worry because we feel hopeless or are ignorant, and we just want to accept certain things the way they are. I dealt with this challenge by gaining knowledge about what the causes of the illnesses and how I can help prevent them from showing up in his life. Once I was able to educate my son and myself about what triggers asthma and how to avoid those triggers, I worried less about him having an asthma attack, and if he does get one, we have developed a plan and he knows what to do if I’m not there.

Likewise, with the peanut allergy; once we found all the products that had “peanuts” in the ingredients list, then we avoid buying it. If he’s not at home and at school or a friend’s house, then he has been trained to read the ingredients on everything that he’s given.

Having knowledge of cause and effect in this area has helped me to worry less about my son’s health. Otherwise, I would probably have him live in a bubble and not exposing him to anything for fear of getting sick. This was a difficult journey, but I feel like I’ve overcome a worry that could have plagued me and kept me in constant fear.

Worry comes to all of us, but it is how we deal with it that determines our outcome. Instead of expending my energy on worrying, I channel my energy towards staying in the peace of God. Yes, staying in peace takes energy because often times, there are circumstances and forces around us that tries to steal our peace. Jesus even said that we would have many trials and sorrows on this earth, but He also told us that in Him, we would have peace.

I want to be where the “peace” is and it’s not coming from this world. This world cannot offer us peace and stability. Our reliance cannot come from corporate America, and no job is really secure. While technology and medical advances should help us live healthier, it seems like there is always another strain of virus or illness to make us worry.

When Jesus went to be with the Father, he left us some very special gifts to help us navigate through life; and one those gifts is peace. He knew that there would always be difficulties that we would have to face. I know, some people think that the "hippy" generation originated “peace” but I’m giving credit where credit is due.

We have to trust in God more than ever and when we trust in His provision and not the world’s or negative reports or walk by what we see, then we will experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. Even when there is trouble around us, it doesn’t have to in us when we have the peace of God living on the inside.

Jesus says in John 14:27, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”  There is a hope and peace that comes through believing and trusting in God!

Comments

[Denise Hughes]

"Worry comes to all of us, but it is how we deal with it that determines our outcome . . . . Jesus even said that we would have many trials and sorrows on this earth, but He also told us that in Him, we would have peace."

How right you are. I can appreciate the pragmatic and reasonable approach you've taken with your son's allergy. And I can also appreciate that you recognize where true peace comes from. Thanks for sharing these truths in this post.