(Adapted from “What Should I Do?” in Moving Forward in Hope)
Sometimes when life rolls along peacefully, I wonder about struggles that may lie ahead. Depending on the severity of what shows up next, I can become emotionally and spiritually exhausted.
Here’s the good news: The right response to a crisis can be spiritually, emotionally, and physically good for me. But when trouble comes, I still may say, “Really, God?” because I’d rather be comfortable than challenged.
Various crises arrive on a regular basis: finances, job security, family, marriage, church life, or health. The Bible assures us, though, that God has planned the details of our lives and incorporates them into His providential plan to make us more like His Son (Job 23:10, Psalm 37:23–24, Proverbs 16:9). This includes the crisis of a loved one identifying somewhere in the LGBT alphabet banner.
How Do I Navigate This Crisis?
We may try to avoid reality by wallowing in denial, but we’ll never move forward if we remain in that quicksand. Instead, consider how God wants you to navigate this crisis. You may be tempted to run away, searching for a place where you don’t hear any more bad news. Or maybe you’re tempted to manipulate the situation, trying to get the results you want instead of what God may desire.
Scripture presents two important realities about life. First, no matter what we do or how we live, some crises are going to sucker-punch us. We live in a sin-cursed world, and the Enemy of our soul hates us and will do everything possible to discourage our walk with God and drive us away from Him. If we allow the Enemy to do that, we suffer and he celebrates.
Faith is a precious gift from God that will carry us through a crisis. Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15). Whether the crisis is completely out of our hands or some portion is marginally under our control, ultimately we must trust God to show up and provide peace. Biblical peace is more than calmness or a sense of well-being. It is the assurance of God’s presence and confidence that He is at work in our lives, and our loved one’s life, even though we may see little evidence of that.
How Do I Access God’s Peace?
Colossians 3:15 also gives us the formula for accessing God’s peace: “Be thankful.” What? Be thankful in this crisis? Yes. We can still be thankful no matter how difficult the situation.
Start with your relationship with God. The omnipotent creator and ruler of the world loves you and has promised to never leave you or forsake you. Thank Him for the privilege of talking to Him—even when you’re angry. Move on to simple things: the beauty of fall foliage, a phone call from a supportive friend, a delicious meal. As you look for blessings, the Holy Spirit will bring more blessings to mind. And as your gratitude increases, so will the peace that “transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).
Dare to look your crisis in the eye and say, “I will not let this control my life. I believe God will take care of me, hear my prayers, and meet my needs. I will choose to be thankful.” Your commitment to gratitude may not change your circumstances, but it will change you.
Are you allowing your circumstances to control your peace, or are you allowing God’s truth to guide your response?
What can you be thankful to God for today, even in the middle of your struggle?