Beyond the Gospels: Thessalonians

Today’s Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5
(Click on the link to read the scripture.)

Unsettled… the word sort of sticks in my spirit this morning. Webster’s defines the word as “nervous, upset, or worried; not comfortable.”  When I find a word in scripture that sort of floats up to the top I begin to ask myself questions.

Am I feeling unsettled about something lately?

What am I worried or upset or nervous about?

Where am I uncomfortable?

This is how God works in me. He asks the questions and I answer… truth is revealed. Won’t you take a moment and do the same? What things come to mind as you answer the questions? Is there a common theme in your answers?

Paul’s words are clear. We are destined for trials and there’s no getting around them. The big question is not what trials are we facing, but how is it with our spirit. How are we handling them? What is our reaction in the face of persecution and trouble? Life is full of unsettling circumstances but it doesn’t have to unsettle us. He is our calm in the storm… our comfort in the uncomfortable. May we choose peace in the face of upset and worry this day.