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HOW TO FIND PERFECT PEACE IN THE MIDST OF THIS STORM
Kris Vallotton
January 15, 2021
HOW TO FIND PERFECT PEACE IN THE MIDST OF THIS STORM
Have you been struggling with fear, anxiety
or worry lately? Although it’s common to feel uncertain in the midst of the world’s current challenges, I’d propose that there’s a better way to live. When fear strikes it’s important that you don’t let it turn into a cycle of anxiety; that never ends pretty. I know this full well, as years back I went through my own personal hell
with panic attacks and eventually a complete nervous breakdown. Thankfully I came out of that dark season, and the Lord has given me great peace. Today I want to share some things I’ve learned along the way that I hope will help you break free from fear, discover perfect peace, and find faith in the midst of any storm:
In a nutshell:
- We are in a challenging season!
- I wanted to take some time to release some peace on you.
- In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus was asleep on a boat in the middle of a turbulent storm. His disciples were freaked out so they woke up Jesus. He went onto the deck, rebuked the storm, and it stopped!
- Bill Johnson has a profound point about this story: You can only have power over the storms you have peace in.
- People have frequently asked me how I keep my peace.
- The Lord has given me great peace. Over 13 years ago, I had a nervous breakdown and laid on the couch with anxiety for over 6 months.
- Here are 2 things that the Lord told me in that season:
- "You are not the Savior of the world.”
- “There’s always enough time and capacity for everything that I gave you to do.”
- I spent so much of my life taking on responsibility that the Lord didn’t give me.
- Ultimately I have one person to please, Jesus.
- Having a group of people who will faithfully pray for you is a key to remaining in peace.
- Keep a thankful list.
- I also keep a list called “Things I feared that didn’t happen.”
- Fear is a great storyteller; most of the things I worried about never happen!
- God’s been able to bless me no matter who is mayor, governor, or president.
- The Lord will bless you in any season!
- Read Psalm 23. Take note of these specific verses: “He makes me lie down in green pastures” (verse 2) and “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me” (verse 4).
- Remember that God invites you to lay down in green pastures. A key is to
keep walking through the valley of the shadow of death; don’t stop there.
CULTIVATE THANKFULNESS
What’s carrying you through troubled waters; the law of nature or the law of the Lord? If you’re encountering stress and turmoil in this storm, then I want to encourage you today to take some time to write down 10 things that you’re thankful for. To get you started here are some prompts:
- Relationships
- Tangible provision
- Little things that make your day better
- Physical health
- Recent breakthroughs
- Testimonies you’ve heard recently
- Natural beauty around you
- Things you love about your city
What are you thankful for today? How are you finding peace in the midst of this season? I’d love to hear what you’re thinking in the comments!
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