Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)
16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
If there was a more perfect book to describe my day (technically yesterday as of the time of this publishing) than “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” by Judith Viorst, I am not sure what it would be. This children’s book chronicles the a day in the life of Alexander, a day that starts off with gum in his hair and never improves from there. Like Alexander, my day started off bad and progressively took me through twists and turns to the point where I texted my buddy and said “over it, everything, done.” I wish I could say that I handled it with grace, mercy, and peace… the truth is, I failed.
Where Does Peace Come From?
When you are in the middle of a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, it can be difficult to see outside of those circumstances. It is important that we understand where our peace should come from. John 16:33 offers us the following… (33) These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world… Our peace is not going to come from the world, quite the opposite actually! The world is where our frustrations form, fester, grow, and eventually explode. The peace we are promised comes from the Lord and the Lord alone. But, is that where we typically turn in times of trouble?
Is Everyone Out To Get Me?
During a frustrating day I can really relate to what the Psalmist is saying in Psalm 55:18… (18) He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, For there were many against me… We do have all kinds of outside forces bearing down upon us each day. During these times it feels as though everyone is out to get us. Is everyone out to get us? Probably not.
Give It To Him
When we have times of trouble, it is time to give those troubles to the Lord. We are encouraged in Philippians 4:6–7 to… (6) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (7) and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus… I am not sure about you, but I do not let my requests be known to the Lord until I am headlong into a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Let it be our prayer to seek Him as soon as we wake up with gum in our hair.
Closing Thoughts:
Prayer and supplication partnered with requests and thanksgiving is a recipe for peace.
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
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