God the Father Archives - Page 3 of 14 -

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Hold the line

If you have ridden a motorcycle, you know how important it is to drive defensively. Even for a split second, inattention could be the difference between safety and severe injury or worse. My spouse and I were riding early one evening. We rounded a sharp corner on a two-lane country road, and in front of us were three deer standing in the middle of the road and two more emerging from the trees. What flashed in my mind was a startled deer knocking us over or getting in front of us and the motorcycle striking them broadside. I cannot say in that split-second, I planned some incredible maneuvers. I just knew to keep a straight line and hope our passing through them didn’t startle them. However, there wasn’t time to think. I just held the line and drove through the middle of them; miraculously, we avoided severe injury.

Focus

There are individuals whose occupations are peppered with sporadic chaos and trauma. Whether it be a trauma room, an accident scene, or a household crisis, there was one beneficial skill, “holding the line.” The ability to remain focused on the task at hand regardless of what was happening around them. It is a sort of tunnel-vision where your mental faculties seem to slow down, allowing you to focus on your task or responsibility solely, despite visual and auditory distractions-the chaos. It was described as an ability learned through life events of trauma and chaos or “thriving” through the trauma and chaos. (Ps. 68:5; 146:9; Job 29:12 ESV)

Do you know someone who is struggling in chaos? Do you feel pressed on both sides? Above all, as children of God, we can look to the Word. Because we know He cares. In addition, He promises, “[w]e are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Cor. 4:8–9 ESV) We do not have to be fearful or dismayed when storms come because God will strengthen you and uphold you. (Is. 41:10 ESV) He will keep you in perfect peace if your mind stays on the Lord. Hold the line. Because you trust Him. (Is. 26:3) When you find yourself in difficult times, turn to Him and cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you. (1 Pet. 5:7 ESV).

Peace

Isn’t it wonderful you can turn to Him, and He will give you His peace? Not a peace that the world gives, but perfect peace. So, don’t be troubled (John 14:27 ESV). By realizing He is in the storm with you. Remember the disciples on the Sea of Galilee? Who was in the boat with them during the storm? Where was their focus? It was in the storm. Indeed, where did the Lord imply their focus should have been? It should be on Him, the One who had the power over all things. (Mark 4:35–40 ESV)

Therefore, is it any different for us now? Where do you find your focus in trials, storms, or chaos? Focus on Him. Find encouragement because He cares for you. Regardless of the storm or trials around you, you have a God who will never leave you or forsake you. (Deut. 31:6, 8; Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:20 GW) He walks with you through chaos, even into the darkest of valleys. (Ps. 23 GW)

Therefore, the next time someone asks you how you handle a stressful situation, be prepared to share the Good News of how He helps you hold the line. (1 Pet. 3:15 GW). To joyfully proclaim the One who not only gives you the power to withstand but is right there with you amid the storm. Because we trust Him in every situation, even while riding a motorcycle, avoiding deer, or any other crisis confronting us, when storms come, focus on the One with you and who will help you hold the line. (1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV).