A Prayer for Serenity and Inner Calm through Turmoil
By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” - Isaiah 43:2
Are you currently twisted up in some sort of turmoil? In your head, heart, or maybe your surroundings? Personally, over the past six months, I feel like I’ve encountered some really wild waves and trudged through a raging river, and I can still feel the heat from the flames of life beneath me. I’ve wanted God‘s peace to settle over my soul at a level I never knew I needed. Yet, as I keep looking back and side to side, there’s been a beautiful blessing evident while weathering one of the longest, hardest seasons of life…
God Keeps Showing Up
I slowly pondered Isaiah 43:2 this morning. And was overwhelmed with the reminders of God’s presence, power, and strength that sustain us. He promises to be with us through the water and fire. And this is the very promise that continues to bring me peace. The solid truth that keeps me from becoming consumed and swallowed up by the deep seas of struggle. I think one of my biggest fears in the storm is falling apart: collapsing to nothingness, utter helplessness, and hopelessness. But here’s the thing. I have yet to be defeated. And what I desperately hope sinks into your hurting heart today, too, is that as a child of God, you will not be defeated either.
Listen, I’ve witnessed some horrific seasons in the lives of other believers in my circle, situations I would have thought sure to bring any person to a debilitated place of despair and absolute destruction. But what I see is this: with the mighty hand of God, they begin to rise victorious. In awe, they express a peace beyond understanding. And they testify to comfort and outpouring from others that only God could ever orchestrate. All of this as they look to and lean on him.
Whether right now you just need a cleansing of peace to wash over your anxious soul and situation, or you need to surrender a swelling fear of potential greater trials to come, will you remember that God is with you? Not only that, will you claim the truth that he will not let you be defeated? His powerful presence and peace will follow you wherever you go. You will be sustained by him as you remain in him. Close your eyes and inhale the truth of God’s constant presence and protection right now. Feel it flow through you like a steady, serene river flooding peace in and through your life. He. Is. Here.
Let’s pray:
Lord, Your Word tells me that you will be with me. That when I walk through the fire, I will not be burned. That when I pass through the river, the water will not sweep over me. But I confess, I feel like I’m on the verge of drowning in turmoil at times. This world can be so heavy to the point I feel suffocated of any possible serenity. Please remind me that you are there. You are here. Right beside me. Always. Allow this truth to settle deep into the recesses of my being. Lord, I know I will not be defeated because I have you, the Almighty one, the Prince of Peace, living in and through me. Allow these truths to calm all of my concerns and the spiral of cares surrounding me. Lord Jesus, thank you for your constant comfort. In Your precious name, amen.
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