When we talk about finding peace, but our personal lives feel full of rain, it can be hard to focus on the better side of things. I like to think of it like this; you have two choices. You can either focus on the rain that’s right there in your face or in the midst of the rain; you can focus on the rainbow that is sure to come after the rain.
I know at that moment you might feel like the rain is very consistent in your life and/or you might feel like you deserve to be in the rain. So I want to remind you of what Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”
As I am typing, Holy Spirit is reminding me of the story of Joseph in Genesis. Joseph who wore the coat of many colors. Joseph’s story has so many vital parts, but I want to talk about when he was thrown into the pit, falsely accused, thrown into jail; and it looked like he was forgotten, but he still could find peace in the midst of his storm. The storms of life kept coming and coming, but he didn’t allow the storms to waver his faith.
How was Joseph able to find peace with everything going on around him? One part that stuck out and made me happy to read is that it said, “God was with Him (Joseph). ” When he was in Potiphar’s (captain of the guard for Pharaoh) house after being sold into slavery, God caused everything he did to succeed. (Gen. 39:2). It also says in Gen. 39:21 that when he was thrown into prison, The Lord was with him and showed him His faithfulness.
Like many of us, it’s hard to hold on to our peace when life feels like a whirlwind of storms. We start to freak out, doubt the calling on our lives, begin to move in fear, become angry, and begin to think we can do things on our own and in our own timing. We start to lose focus, and when we lose focus on the goodness of God, we tend to lose the peace which comes from God. Because now that we are no longer fixing our focus on believing that God is with us in every storm, we can no longer push ourselves to believe that we can have peace while in the storm.
Sometimes it can be hard to realize that storms can serve our purpose. I believe Joseph continued to have peace because he didn’t allow the storms to overshadow what God was going to do in his life. He didn’t allow life circumstances to stop him from letting God use him right where he was. Joseph didn’t let his heart become hardened when things weren’t going as he thought they should. He was still kind, helped other people understand their dreams (used his gift), and still served others.
I can’t imagine that was easy, especially when he knows he didn’t deserve what happened to him in the first place. If you continue reading the story, you will find out that Joseph was placed second in command right after Pharaoh in all of Egypt. Through his obedience and heart posture, God used him in a great and mighty way. Because he chose not to let his heart harden, he was able to help his own family and all the families in Egypt. He was able to fulfill a purpose bigger than him.
How can you find peace?
- Believing that God is with you. | Believe that God will cause everything to work out for you even when you don’t understand it. It’s not for you to know the whole plan, but trust that He does.
- Helping someone else. | Helping someone reach a goal, serving someone else purpose, giving someone else encouragement.
- Read a book. | It can be the Bible and a good book you picked up from Target. Taking your mind off whatever is causing you stress will help greatly.
- Get some sun. | I love to get outside and take a few deep breaths to bring my mind back at ease. I also like to talk to God when I’m outside. You can even take your book outside and read. Then, you can go for a walk or a jog.
- Asking for Peace. | It’s as simple as that. John 14:27 nlt says, “I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. I’m inserting a happy dance here. In your prayer time, ask God for His peace.
If you haven’t read the story of Joseph, I encourage you to read it.
Today, I’m praying that you focus on the good that God has for you. I’m praying that you can believe that the rain can be used for a purpose. I’m praying that you believe you are here on purpose, and God wants to give you peace. I want you to think of His goodness and ask Him for His peace daily. He loves you.
The God of Peace means we get God’s peace and His presence. ♥️
Xo,Ken
