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Turbulence- turmoil conflict upheaval troubles confusion
As a nation, we have been thrown into turbulent waters. Not that some of us weren’t already there, but now we add the fears of the dreaded Corona Virus.
At present, I have been reading the book “Let Nothing Disturb You” by Teresa Of Avila. Teresa, as a child, had health issues, and she continued to suffer ill effects from her illnesses even as an adult. She attempted to live a monastic life (monastic meaning solitude) where she was searching to follow a more perfect way.
Teresa decided that prayer was the only way for her to make it through times that seemed impossible. The only thing to do when others do everything to persuade you and shake your confidence, pray when you aren’t sure whether you are being led by God or by a devil. Prayer is our search for union with God.
As I began to read Day 1, it started like this-
A whole lifetime is short, and sometimes very short indeed. How do we know that ours may not be so short as to end an hour or even a minute after we have determined to give ourselves wholly to God?
The thing we know is that we don’t know. We don’t know how short our life will be, so in that case, why should we let anything cause turbulence in our lives? We shouldn’t. We should let nothing disturb us. Let nothing make us afraid. All things are passing. God alone never changes. Patience gains all things. If you have God, you will want for nothing God alone will suffice.
Jesus
His life was short, short indeed. He had turbulence, but he didn’t let it disrupt his life or his mission. He continued. How? Through God, our Father, and prayer. He prayed in solitude. He prayed with others. He knew his life was going to be cut short. He knew his life was passing on, but even then, He knew that God never changes. He knew that God alone would take care of the turbulence. He understood that the turbulence meant a better place for all of those who loved Him.
Matthew 6:32-33 New International Version (NIV)
32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
How many times do you let little things or people bother you? Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing change your focus.
Hebrews 12:2 New International Version (NIV)
2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We all have fear; however, we should trust in Him and understand that all things are passing. Everything passes away that changes our view. We should turn from that that pulls us away from God. In the end, none of the things that pull us away from God won’t even matter.
Psalm 46:2-4 New International Version (NIV)
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging
God doesn’t change; he doesn’t fade away. Remember this
James 1:17 New International Version (NIV)
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
The days and weeks ahead, let us be reminded to let nothing disrupt us. Let us have a NO TURBULENCE EXPECTED rule. Take this time of solitude and pray. Take this time of solitude to grow closer to God. Take this time and use it wisely.
God promised to supply us with what we need- not what we want. When we go into the solitude and limit our view, we realize we want for nothing God suffices.
No matter what is going on in your life, remember not to allow turbulence. No Turbulence Excepted! If you are quarantined at home, take the time to spend some solitary time with God. Work on your prayer life.
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