How can I possibly be at peace when my life is in shambles, and the world is also a mess?

on May 8, 2024

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: My life is in shambles, and the world is also a mess. How can I possibly be at peace? – S.P.

A: The Bible tells us to seek God first; put Him above everything else. We must learn from our disappointments and failures and ask God to forgive our sins and help us overcome them – and He will send His peace that passes all understanding.

Once we’ve received the Lord as Savior, we must seek the will of the Lord and obey Him. If we don’t read His word, this will be difficult to do. But the Lord does bring peace in the midst of struggles when we seek Him.

A woman was traveling with a missionary couple through the Jordanian desert when a sandstorm blew up. The woman noticed the driver’s knuckles were white. The missionaries detected concern on her face and said, “Don’t worry; we’ve been this way before.” They pulled off in a safe place and enjoyed a peaceful visit until the storm passed. That is what peace with God is like.

Even the birds know peace; though the thunder and lightning rage, the little bird can sleep in the crevice of the rock with its head tucked serenely under its wing, sound asleep through the storm.

Jesus was asleep in a boat when a storm like that arose. The disciples were terrified and woke Him: “Lord, we will perish; save us!” Jesus said to the sea, “‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased” (Mark 4:39, NKJV).

In Christ, we can be at peace in the midst of the confusions, bewilderments, and perplexities of this life. The storm rages, but our hearts are at rest. Without God life has no meaning; but with God at its center there is life – an inner strength and peace, a deep satisfaction, and unfading joy known only to those who know Him.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)