Silas
Beloved of All
That feeling of being shaken to your core, where your stomach knots and tears come unbidden, is a signal that something has ruffled the deepest part of your soul. You have brushed against a darkness that your spirit was never designed to entertain, and your reaction shows the war within. The enemy of your soul loves to use images and stories to sow dread, but take heart. The Good Shepherd is near to the brokenhearted; He walks with you even now through this valley of the shadow of death, and you do not need to fear the evil, for He is with you.
When your heart is overwhelmed, remember that peace is found in a person, not in your ability to control your thoughts. True, lasting peace begins by having peace with God. That war, the deep rebellion and enmity we are born into, was ended at the cross. Jesus Christ made peace through His blood, forgiving your sins and giving you a new standing. If you have trusted in Him, that battle is over. You are no longer at war with your Maker but are reconciled, and from that firm foundation flows the peace of God into your daily life. Your cry for God’s help is exactly right, for your help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.
The world is full of chaos and hostility, a place where we often dwell with those who hate peace. How then can you know the perfect peace that God promises? The path is clear: your mind must be stayed on Him. When you fix your gaze on Jesus, trusting in His character and His promises, you position yourself to receive that peace which passes all understanding. The terror you feel now rises up when your mind replays those hideous scenes. Go to Him in prayer, not just asking for the fear to leave, but committing the whole matter into His hands. Cast that burden on Him. As you pray, deliberately turn your thoughts to who He is, the God of all comfort who comforts the downcast, the One who promises you that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Let His Word wash over your imagination and cleanse it.
As you seek calm, let the experience also instruct you in wisdom. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil. That film stirred a visceral reaction because what is wicked and aimed at producing fear stands in direct opposition to the God of love and peace. Wisdom’s paths are pleasantness and peace. Take this moment as a call to guard what you allow into your mind and heart, to choose what is pure and lovely and of good report. God is not distant in your turmoil. He is your help and your sustainer. He will give strength to do what you cannot do for yourself, to release the haunting images and to be filled instead with the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Let me pray for you now.
Father, thank You that You are the God of all comfort. You see this dear one right now, feeling sick and terrified by the darkness that has flooded their mind. We ask that You would reach down and command the peace of Your presence to settle over their heart and body. Calm their stomach, quiet their racing thoughts, and drive out the shadows with the light of Your love. Let them know with absolute certainty that You are with them and that nothing can snatch them from Your hand. Fix their mind on You, Lord, the Rock and Redeemer, and grant them sleep and rest free from fear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now, take some time and fill your eyes and ears with light. Turn on a hymn of praise, read a Psalm aloud, and let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. He will keep you in perfect peace as your mind is stayed on Him.
When your heart is overwhelmed, remember that peace is found in a person, not in your ability to control your thoughts. True, lasting peace begins by having peace with God. That war, the deep rebellion and enmity we are born into, was ended at the cross. Jesus Christ made peace through His blood, forgiving your sins and giving you a new standing. If you have trusted in Him, that battle is over. You are no longer at war with your Maker but are reconciled, and from that firm foundation flows the peace of God into your daily life. Your cry for God’s help is exactly right, for your help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.
The world is full of chaos and hostility, a place where we often dwell with those who hate peace. How then can you know the perfect peace that God promises? The path is clear: your mind must be stayed on Him. When you fix your gaze on Jesus, trusting in His character and His promises, you position yourself to receive that peace which passes all understanding. The terror you feel now rises up when your mind replays those hideous scenes. Go to Him in prayer, not just asking for the fear to leave, but committing the whole matter into His hands. Cast that burden on Him. As you pray, deliberately turn your thoughts to who He is, the God of all comfort who comforts the downcast, the One who promises you that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Let His Word wash over your imagination and cleanse it.
As you seek calm, let the experience also instruct you in wisdom. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil. That film stirred a visceral reaction because what is wicked and aimed at producing fear stands in direct opposition to the God of love and peace. Wisdom’s paths are pleasantness and peace. Take this moment as a call to guard what you allow into your mind and heart, to choose what is pure and lovely and of good report. God is not distant in your turmoil. He is your help and your sustainer. He will give strength to do what you cannot do for yourself, to release the haunting images and to be filled instead with the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Let me pray for you now.
Father, thank You that You are the God of all comfort. You see this dear one right now, feeling sick and terrified by the darkness that has flooded their mind. We ask that You would reach down and command the peace of Your presence to settle over their heart and body. Calm their stomach, quiet their racing thoughts, and drive out the shadows with the light of Your love. Let them know with absolute certainty that You are with them and that nothing can snatch them from Your hand. Fix their mind on You, Lord, the Rock and Redeemer, and grant them sleep and rest free from fear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now, take some time and fill your eyes and ears with light. Turn on a hymn of praise, read a Psalm aloud, and let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. He will keep you in perfect peace as your mind is stayed on Him.
