Oceans in the Desert

By Kathi Pelton

In times like we are living in it could be easy to become downcast or overwhelmed by all that is going on in the world around us. I’ve heard stories of young children, pre-teens and teenagers having panic attacks, fighting hopelessness and weeping uncontrollably. Although, it’s not only the youth, but people of all ages, becoming undone because nothing seems secure or familiar.

So— as the Church— how do we respond and comfort those who are fearful and hurting? We first begin with us and at home.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

We must quiet our souls and anchor our lives and the atmosphere in our homes in the truth that “He is God!” Nothing can change that and we can rest and breathe deep knowing that He is God and He is good. We are not without hope! As you anchor your life in the love of God you can then take practical steps to reset the atmosphere within your home.

• Turn off the TV (especially the news which glorifies the agenda of fear and hopelessness).

• Turn on worship music and fill your home with the message of hope and praise! God is in control!

• Sit down with your children and family members and let them talk, process and give them answers that assure them that God is still in control. Speak peace— speak hope!

• Hold each other long and often. Sometime we just need to be held— and held long— until love and comfort replaces the fears and pain.

• Take walks, play games and make memories together.

• Read and pray the Word over your home and family!

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

I just finished a 14-day series centered around this verse! We must turn the narrative of hate, rage, deception and that which is “newsworthy” to that which is “praiseworthy!” When we do that it begins to renew our minds with truth, hope and love.

“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:7

Here is your “nothing better” truth statement! There is nothing better then the steadfast love of God. He is our refuge and constant place of security.

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Nothing can separate us and nothing is better then living in the grip of His love. NOTHING!

When one of my kids are hurting I will sit them down and I will speak the truth of God’s love over them until it sinks in and saturated them! Together we will linger in His truth and love until His love casts out all fear.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18

His love is perfect— every other love falls short and has limits! It is imperative to lead our loved ones to the arms of “Perfect Love.” It is there that fear is driven out. It is in His arms that we can surrender control and “become still”— knowing that He is God and He loves us without conditions or limitations.

When our lives and our families are in the grip of God’s love then we can become a refuge and light to the world around us. The world is looking for an anchor of hope. They are looking for comfort, peace, hope, light, rest and love. They will look for the refuge of true family…but that must first begin in our homes.

We must know that He is good and nothing in this world can change that. When you begin to loose perspective— run to His arms! There is no better place to be— there is NOTHING BETTER than His love and His everlasting arms. When you encounter people who feel panicked and out of control, it is then that you take their hand and lead them to the loving arms of Jesus.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” Romans 8:35

When skewed perspective “feels” like it has separated you or someone before you from the love of God remind them of the words from Romans 8:31-39 that assure us that NOTHING can separate us from His love. Within the love of God we receive everything we need. There is no lack, no risk, no fear— just His goodness and beauty.

Be still and know that He is God! Let His love and goodness pour over you today! Then pour it over your loved ones and over those around you. There is nothing better!

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