This previous yr, my household determined to observe the complete Seinfeld collection. My youngsters are actually sufficiently old to get the jokes, and sufficient time has handed for my husband and me, that we’ve got forgotten the jokes and listen to them anew.
In a single favourite episode, at any time when George’s father, Frank’s blood strain will get excessive, he’s supposed to make use of a rest approach wherein he says to himself, “Serenity now.” As an alternative of claiming this as supposed—in a relaxed, tranquil, meditative method—Frank screams it, very doubtless skyrocketing his blood strain even additional. The impact is hysterical, and I notice, I’m laughing, too, at myself.
When I’m anxious or frightened, I name out to God, and very similar to Frank Costanza, I cry out, “Come on! Give me a few of that peace which surpasses all understanding!” (Philippians 4:7) I’m frantic, almost frenetic, looking for one thing, something to assist the scenario. I would like peace! I’ve been promised in Scripture that God has this peace, however I yell and gasp for it as intensely and counterproductively as Frank.
And quietly, calmly, Jesus says, simply as he did to Peter, as he walked on water, “Don’t be afraid.” Like Peter, I have a look at the wind and the rain and the water and begin to sink. “Serenity now!” I scream, and Jesus says, “Simply. Look. At. Me.” After which, once I do, it’s like these scenes in a film, when every part else turns into fuzzy, and two individuals lock eyes and focus. That is the way it occurs.
After I preserve my eyes on Jesus, the drama, nervousness, struggling, and worry that after plagued me are gone. I see how stunning Jesus is. I see how he’s worthy of my worship. When the world appears to crash round me, I’ve been studying to double down on my time with God. That is how I preserve my eyes on him. I be certain that I’m studying Scripture and praying and singing to God, and once I do that, I notice simply how marvelous God is, and my issues don’t appear that large in any respect. And I really feel that peace I examine and was promised, that serenity.
I’ve realized this most the final six months. Every time a trial comes, it takes me much less time to take a look at Jesus. Every time, I really feel I’ve realized a lot because the final time. I’m studying to belief God a lot extra. I really feel at peace a lot extra rapidly in the course of the trial. And I do know, at some point, as I study to maintain my eyes on Jesus and to spend as a lot time as potential strolling by way of this life with him, I do know this sense of serenity gained’t go away. Even when the wave threatens to crash upon me, I do know he’s with me.
Picture by Sascha Thiele through Pexels.