Justine Vandenbrink

 

Scripture and Translation:

John 14:27

“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.”

 

Reflection:

Remember when you were a kid and you just couldn’t WAIT to become an adult? Like all your worries would be solved once you hit adulthood and could run your own life. Gone would be the days of stressing about school, homework, acne, and fitting in. But once you finished school you realized adulting isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. As you get older you begin to notice every stage of life has its own set of worries.

 

I remember when I decided to leave my corporate job to become an entrepreneur and start my own business. I thought, “Oh how wonderful this is going to be! Working for myself will be SO much less stressful.” Boy was I wrong! Turns out running your own business is just as (if not more) stressful than working for someone else.

 

While we tend to think the grass is always greener on the other side, the truth of the matter is that life brings with it a variety of anxiety in any pasture we’ve chosen. It’s a part of the human experience. It’s a part of life that’s never going to go away. But it’s how we deal with that stress and how long we stay in that negative mindset that matters.

 

Whenever I experience overwhelming anxiety (which since I became an entrepreneur is more often than I care to admit!) I have to stop and ask myself, “ where is God in this stress and what is God trying to tell me?” My worry about all these worldly issues can distract me from trusting in God. I like to take a step back and remind myself of God’s promises.

 

John 14:27 reminds us that God has bestowed upon us an amazing gift – peace of mind and heart. And we’re not talking about the transient, fleeting kind of peace, we’re talking abiding, perpetual, persistent peace. What an incredible gift this is. God has given us a chance at experiencing peace- a peace that is not negated by our anxieties in whatever form they arise. This peace is one that passes all understanding.

So next time you find yourself suffering from anxiety or in a state of worry, see it as an opportunity to draw near to God. God is always inviting us to come closer- anxious or not. Divine peace may not come right away, but if you spend a little time with God each day, give up your problems to God, and remind yourself of God’s promises, anxiety may not be the loudest voice in the room. Let God in and ask for help, then be assured that God is guiding your steps.

  

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I confess that I have a tendency to forget about your promises and let anxiety take over my life. Help recognize these feelings as an opportunity to seek your presence. As you wait for me with open arms, ready to receive me when I come in prayer, help me to swiftly and readily give my worries up to you so that you may wash your divine peace over me. I am your child and I know that you cause all things to work together for my good and according to your purpose. Amen.