This previous 12 months, my household determined to observe all the Seinfeld sequence. My youngsters at the moment are sufficiently old to get the jokes, and sufficient time has handed for my husband and me, that we have now forgotten the jokes and listen to them anew.
In one favourite episode, at any time when George’s father, Frank’s blood stress will get excessive, he’s supposed to make use of a rest method through which he says to himself, “Serenity now.” Instead of saying this as meant—in a relaxed, tranquil, meditative method—Frank screams it, very possible skyrocketing his blood stress even additional. The impact is hysterical, and I understand, 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 some of that peace which surpasses all understanding!” (Philippians 4:7) I’m frantic, almost frenetic, trying to find one thing, something to assist the state of affairs. 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, “Do not be afraid.” Like Peter, I take a look at the wind and the rain and the water and begin to sink. “Serenity now!” I scream, and Jesus says, “Just. Look. At. Me.” And then, after I do, it’s like these scenes in a film, when all the things else turns into fuzzy, and two folks lock eyes and focus. This is the way it occurs.
When I preserve my eyes on Jesus, the drama, anxiousness, struggling, and worry that when plagued me are gone. I see how lovely 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. This is how I preserve my eyes on him. I ensure that I’m studying Scripture and praying and singing to God, and after I do that, I understand simply how marvelous God is, and my issues don’t appear that massive 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. Each time a trial comes, it takes me much less time to have a look at Jesus. Each time, I really feel I’ve realized a lot for the reason that final time. I’m studying to belief God a lot extra. I really feel at peace a lot extra shortly in the course of the trial. And I do know, someday, as I be taught to maintain my eyes on Jesus and to spend as a lot time as potential strolling by this life with him, I do know this sense of serenity received’t go away. Even when the wave threatens to crash upon me, I do know he’s with me.
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