𝕗𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕡𝕖𝕒𝕔𝕖

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Is it possible to find peace in this chaotic world?

I think so.

In a time when good is bad and bad is good, when people are defined by labels that are constantly evolving to keep up

when social media has become a chunky and traumatic blend of AI and thinly-veiled bullying

all jockeying for position to take a shot at your mind, all of it designed to make you

react

retract

second-guess

shrink

doubt

yourself

don't let it get to you

don't entertain anything meant to manipulate you in any way

none of us are immune to spiritual attacks but it takes focus and courage to seek our peace instead. And I'm learning it myself

The enemy stalks us for an opportunity to disrupt our peace and sometimes we just need reminding that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world.

He who was, is and will be so that we can be who He's called us to be

He never said it would be easy

The enemy is cunning in the ways that he comes to steal, kill and destroy our peace and our joy and to divert us from our path in the process

Jesus was tempted and cajoled after forty days and forty nights in the wilderness by the very same enemy: His defense was the Word which wasn't just on His heart, it was His heart then and still is today. He didn't have to memorize the Scriptures because He was the Author.

He said that in the world we would have troubles, but to be cheerful because He has overcome the world. But sometimes I still catch myself being like Peter, and sinking into the water instead of walking on it by faith. So when the wind is raging and the waves are crashing, we are reminded to be steadfast . That we will only sink if we focus on what the world throws at us instead of His voice.

I rode a roller coaster recently. Kids ride this roller coaster. And I was terrified because my brain was processing what I was seeing, and what I was seeing was designed to scare me. When I closed my eyes, I removed a layer of fear. Like Peter, I was letting what I was seeing overwhelm my senses.

Be strong, be courageous, be steadfast against the waves and wind of the world. And the roller coasters. The news and social media is sensationalistic, so view it knowing that the One who created the heavens and earth is with you- no matter what the world says. Take time for yourself each and every day, wherever you feel calm and at peace. Don't underestimate the importance of this, even Christ took time away from the people to "pause and reflect"- "סֶֽלָה" translated to "selah".

Find your purpose. Peace and joy is found in our calling, whether it's as a janitor at a middle school or a nurse in a hospice center, a cashier at the grocery store. There is no job that is menial when God's involved.

And above all, know that we will be tested. By people, situations and thoughts. And in that time of trouble, we have the choice to "sink or swim" or...

to close our eyes and walk on water at the sound of His voice.

Amen.

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“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭NKJV

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"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.” Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬-‭32‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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