You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father.

Luke 9:41-42 (NIV)

Have you ever noticed the more you seek the Lord in turbulent times, the worse things seem to be before they get better? Perhaps it’s just me, but this has been my experience, and I honestly don’t know if it has anything to do with having more or less faith.

We all go through trials and tribulations. Some of them we bring on ourselves and some just happen. In every event, I believe we can learn something from them if we’re paying attention. I think what matters the most when these storms come upon us is who we turn to in our time of need. However, who we turn to when we’re in need, I think, is based on who we turn to when we’re not in need and everything is hunky-dory.

If you turn to God when things are tough and you think you need Him then He’ll be there. He’s also there when the world is full of sunshine and rainbows. Scripture tells us God “will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in [Him]” (Isaiah 26:3 NIV). I have noticed in my life I have many choices on how to spend my spare time. There are lots of activities I can partake in that I find pleasurable. I have also noticed that, as much as I might try and include the Lord in what I do, it’s just not the same as when I’m completely focused on Him.

Something I have come to realize about the peace of God is it’s always available and it beats any other “peace” I might find. There are lots of things we can do that we take comfort in that bring us joy and a semblance of peace. The problem with our notion of peace is we think it means a lack of conflict. God’s peace is a calm that allows us to walk without fear because fear is the opposite of peace. We can have a day where everything goes our way but that means nothing if we’re afraid.

The Bible tells us, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18 NIV). I’ve often wondered about the meaning of this because I’ve been in love before and love seems to come bundled with fear and uncertainty. We know God is love and He is perfect, so His love is perfect. A key component of love is trust. If we don’t trust someone then it’s likely there’s going to be some fear there.

The only way I know of building trust with someone is by spending time with them. There are different sorts of trust we give out to people. We’re not likely to trust the people in our professional lives the same way we trust those in our private lives and vice versa. However, in either case, trust is built over time, in a relationship. This is where the perfect peace of God comes in. To have perfect peace there are two conditions.

  1. Keep your mind steadfast on God.
  2. Trust God.

When we keep on our minds “steadfast” on God we’re leaning upon Him and His word all the time. Whatever comes up in our lives we run it through the filter of, “What does God say?” We cling to His word and it’s the place we run to speedily. When we trust God we know He’s got everything worked out. We believe His promises; “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV).

When we seek God every day regardless of what’s going on in our lives then we grow to know Him. We know His perfect peace in all times and not just those times when we’re in crisis. What I’ve found, as I’ve said, is sometimes things seem worse while I’m seeking the Lord before they get better. I think this is a test of my conviction in seeking Him. I also believe it’s like the demon that possessed the boy here in Luke. Jesus called the boy to Him and “while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion” (Luke 9:42 NIV). We know there was only going to be one outcome there. Jesus was going to cast that demon out. However, we also know the boy’s father had already witnessed the disciple’s failure in trying to cast out the demon. The father is the same man who believed but was shaken with unbelief for he asked Jesus to, “help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV)

We aren’t very different from the father here. We’ve all seen failures in our lives. I know I have witnessed a lot more failure in my life as a Christian than I would have ever expected. However, by the grace of God, I still believe. The winds may blow and the waves will rise, but I know, I know I will find the Lord, in the center of that storm.

Do you know God? God knows you and He loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, right now, and He wants you to know Him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so that we could be free of guilt, be freed from death, and live eternally with Him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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