Finding Peace in the Midst of Conflict
When faced with adversity, it’s natural to feel hurt, discouraged, and abandoned. I know this feeling all too well. Years ago, I was asked to take on a leadership role at a church where women had never held such a position before. The backlash was immediate, and opposition began to simmer among some members. It would have been easy to let anger and frustration consume me, causing me to question God’s purpose.
A Lesson from King David
But I turned to scripture and found solace in the story of King David. Before becoming the King of Israel, David faced numerous attempts on his life by King Saul. During those tumultuous years, David could have allowed bitterness and rage to fill his heart toward Saul and God. Instead, he chose to surrender his emotions to God, asking Him to search his heart and fill him with peace.
The Dangers of Unforgiveness
Conflict can quickly escalate into frustration, unforgiveness, and anger, building walls of hostility between us and others, as well as between us and God. We’ve all experienced hurt, pain, or betrayal at some point, and it’s natural to feel forsaken by God. However, it’s in these moments that God desires to surround us with His peace, transcending our circumstances.
Breaking Down Walls
The peace of God has the power to demolish hostility. To experience this peace, we must regularly examine our hearts, asking God to reveal any hidden resentment or anger. As David prayed in Psalm 139:23, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” By doing so, we can break down the walls that separate us from fully experiencing relationships with God and others.
A Prayer for Peace
Heavenly Father, forgive me for harboring unforgiveness and anger towards others and towards You. I ask that You break down the walls I’ve erected, keeping me from experiencing the fullness of our relationship. Fill my heart and life with Your peace. Amen.
By choosing to surrender our emotions to God, we can transform conflict into an opportunity for growth, forgiveness, and peace. Will you join me in seeking God’s peace in the midst of adversity?
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