Peace in the midst of trials

Dr. Paul Dean, a pastor, cultural commentator, and author raised this question, “How do you get peace in a really bad situation? You may be in the fight of your life financially and about to lose your home. It may be that you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer. It may be that your marriage is falling apart.  How can we get peace if we’re headed into it or in the midst of a crisis?”

Dr. Dean's question reminded me of a situation few years back when I was told by my OBGyne to undergo surgery because I experienced bleeding. At first I had mixed emotions – fear of the unknown and anxiety engulfed my inner being. But my faith and trust in the Lord took hold of my negative emotions. When I was wheeled into the operating room, I just submitted myself to the hands of the Lord. I prayed, “Lord, please take control of everything. I lift up to you my life. Bless the hands of the surgeons that my operation would be successful.” I drifted into a peaceful existence when I was injected with anesthesia. I awoke when the nurse whispered into my ear, “Maam, the operation is done. We will wheel you back into your room”.

Dr. Dean exclaimed, “The first things you have to do in the midst of trials is to focus on God instead of your situation.  Biblical joy is the knowledge that God is in control of your circumstances and allows only that which is good for you into your life (Romans 8:28). Consider it a joy when a trial comes your way. It’s not that trial brings joy; it’s what God is doing for us through the trial.”

Dean asked, “What happens when we’re alone or when it’s time to go to bed? We have to give our troubles to God through prayer.  Philippians 4:6,says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in  everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”  We have to tell Him what’s burdening our hearts and give it to Him so we can rest. He gives us permission to stop thinking about our problems and let Him deal with them.  When we do that, He gives us the peace. God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds so that no troubling thing plagues us.”

"Once we pray,” Dean furthered reminds, “we force ourselves to think about the things of God and not what’s bothering us. It’s not easy, that’s why it’s called a battle. But the way we fight is to change what we’re thinking about.  You might say certain thoughts plague you because you’re in a long term dilemma that seems never ending. Yes, but you don’t have to dwell on the difficulties. Reorient the focus of your thoughts."

With these suggestions, Dean says, “The peace of God will guard your heart. You get peace because you have the God of peace walking with you through the fire. And that’s what you need to realize; God is with you and will see you through one way or the other.  And that’s not resignation or defeatist. That’s confidence. God has a plan for you. You walk with Him because He’s walking with you. That’s how you get peace in a really bad situation.”