“Stressful situations will come and go in our lives. Freaking out about them is optional”.
Our culture states that I should be overwhelmed by difficult events in my life, that issues with my job, my kids’ struggles, and money problems should cause me to fret. Some people consider it unrealistic and irresponsible of me not to worry; it is part of being an adult. Although my flesh often agrees with this attitude I am learning to choose a different view and place my life more fully in God’s hands.
God is good and is always working toward my good. He always works to grow me through the challenges that occur in my life. God is not surprised by anything that happens to me. Therefore, when a crisis comes I take comfort knowing that God is working and that my life is not out of control. I can have peace in the midst of my trial because God saw it coming and is walking through it with me.
In Luke 1:67-80, a passage of scripture known as “Zechariah’s Song”, God states that He will “guide (my) feet into the path of peace”. Peace is available to me. It is mine to choose in response to any situation in my life. When I choose the “path of peace” I find contentment. Peace comes because there is a purpose to the difficult times, not due to a lack of difficulty. My other option is to be overwhelmed and crumble, with fear ruling the moment. The world will confirm my reaction to worry, but my life with Jesus will suffer.
The “path of peace” is not always easy for me to see in the midst of my situation, but it will always be there. Sometimes it will defy logic. People around me won’t understand it. But my God walks that path, and He brings peace. I’ll stick with Him on the journey.
