2020, what a year. In my 30 years of life, I’ve never had a time left with more uncertainty; My job, our finances, our child’s education and their well-being. 

There’s a global pandemic and we both have loved-ones who are considered high risk. There’s a looming second wave and no one knows if we will get shut down again. I have friends/family struggling with depression because they are alone and need human interaction. 

People seem to walk around with a chip on their shoulder. There’s a lack of kindness and empathy. People are rioting and looting. Buildings are being burned down and small businesses losing everything. I see more and more “out of business” signs. 

Also, I’m not sure if anyone knows there’s a pending election and this country is almost divided in half. My Republican friends are accusing the Democrats of cheating and my Democratic friends are accusing the Republicans of cheating. Each side says the other is full of hate. 

So much uncertainty yet this is the happiest I have been in my 30 years. I have peace. A peace that surpasses all understanding. I really do not understand this peace but I am thankful for it. 

Before the end of 2019, I made a priority to read my Bible, really focus on unselfish prayer and be consistent with my tithes. When our country started to shut down, I had an overwhelming peace. When my coworkers started losing their jobs, I had peace. When my pay was drastically reduced, I had peace. We have cut expenses but the one thing that remained was our tithes and offering. When I thought we wouldn’t be able to continue our daughter’s tuition, God provided a way. 

It doesn’t mean I have been perfect. I started focusing on my fears back in May and realized I was not trusting God.  I knew God would take care of us but in my mind I was obsessing over my fears. I thought I was doing okay because it was just in my head but what is in my head will eventually control my attitude and then my actions. We just so happened to be going through a Bible study about how to give our minds to Christ….hmmm, coincidence? What we tend to fear is what we focus on. Our Pastor’s wife has been teaching on this matter as well. Again, coincidence?

 I know in my case, I will focus more on my worry than on God. I was able to capture that worry and just focus on Praising God for what He has already done. God has already given us HIS son to forgive MY sins. God does not owe me anything yet he continues to provide for our needs. We have not missed a bill, we have a dry roof over our heads, we continue to have an abundance of food in our home (that a good chunk gets thrown out each week), we have shoes on our feet, we still have an income coming in, we have had more uninterrupted time together as a family and we have more stuff than we know what to do with.  

I do not say any of this to brag because none of this would be possible on our own. It is only possible because of God. I want everyone to have this same peace. I have been praying over my friends and family that they all would know this peace. Peace has made all the difference. When you are at peace you are happy. When you are happy then joy overflows. When joy overflows then the world wants to know your joy. The Joy that comes from the Lord.

“Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” -Psalm 119:165

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”- John 14:27