Advent Guide: The Wonder of Christmasنموونە

Peace in the Storm

Though not for certain, the following quote is sometimes attributed to C.S. Lewis:

Life with God is not immunity from difficulties, but peace in difficulties.

Regardless of the author of this quote, it certainly has meaning. This quote reminds me of Jesus' words in John 16, "I have spoken to you that you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world."

Whatever we face today, whatever struggle, whatever difficulty, whatever loss, whatever uncertainty, Jesus is there to bring peace. Perhaps we need to understand the definition of peace. Sometimes we want to think peace is the absence of difficulty. A more biblical definition is that peace is the Presence of Christ in the midst of whatever struggle we face.

The Gospel of Matthew (chapter 14) tells the story of Jesus coming to the aid of the disciples who were struggling with their boat in a ferocious storm. As Jesus walks on the water to them, Peter jumps out of the boat to go to Jesus. While Peter focused on Jesus, he too walks on water. When Peter focused on the sound of the thunder, the size of the waves, the pelting of the rain, and the howling of the wind, he began to sink.

The lesson is the same for us. When we focus on Jesus, the storm becomes small. I have come to understand that Jesus does not always take my storms away, but He does promise to be present with me in whatever I face. And isn't the message of Advent that God is Emmanuel, God with us?

I don't know what storms you may face today, but I pray you feel Jesus' Presence with you in the midst of that storm. After all, Jesus says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you!" (Hebrews 13:5b). Let's trust Him today.

Prayer:

Dear God,

Today, the thunder booms loudly. The lightning is scary. The rain comes in torrents. Sometimes I fear I will drown. Help me trust in You. Bring calm to my storm and bless me with Your Calming Presence. Remind me that You are "God with us." Amen.

David Mann is Chaplain for Ventana by Buckner in Dallas, Texas.