What is Keeping You in Times of Turmoil and Uncertainty?

You need something to hang onto when going through turmoil and uncertainty.

Maybe you are one who wants to look like you have it all under control. (Not unlike me.) Do you prefer to give the appearance that all is well, while on the inside you are a mess? (Also, not unlike me.)

The turmoil and uncertainty you are facing may not be on the inside, but out. External forces are always working to wreak havoc over our lives. There are days when you can turn the circumstances in your favor—at other times, it’s like all-hell-loose-on-wheels and not a thing you can do about it.

Lately, our world has been in one of those seasons. For you, it may be an all-hell-loose-on-wheels time full of turmoil and uncertainty.

In mid-2020, when I originally wrote this blog post, my word for the year was peace. We all know how that year turned out. As you can imagine, my chosen word became almost laughable. Along with the word, my verse for the year was Colossians 3.15.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” Colossians 3.15 (NIV)

In January of that year, when I felt God nudging me towards the theme of peace, I had no idea what was coming. We did not know we would soon enter one of the harshest times known to our generation.

As always, God knew what was coming.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4.7 (KJV)

In the middle of all that was that year, I was reminded of Philippians 4.7. If you feel the wheels of your life have been let loose and running off the rails, and there is not one thing you can do to stop it—there is something in this verse I believe will encourage you.

If we dig into Philippians 4.7, this word “keep” means to guard and control. It was a military term used to describe soldiers who would stand their post at the city gates.¹

When I read fiction, I often choose stories from historical periods. In previous centuries, this word “keep” was typically used to describe the place where they would hold accused criminals, under guard, until the law officer or judge came through town to decide their fate.

The Apostle Paul, in writing Philippians 4.7, said “the peace of God” is beyond our human understanding. We do not understand how, in the middle of all-hell-breaking-loose, God can give us peace.

Immediately, in true Paul style, he gives us the answer. The power is in the keep! The path to peace is in the keep. How? This power is ours through Christ Jesus. Not only is it through Him that we are saved—it is in Him our hearts and minds find safety and securety.

Jesus is the keep. He is our guard and hiding place. When we allow Him to cover us with His wings until the storm passes by—He keeps us. We can rest and think more clearly, there. We find wisdom and direction, there. The peace of God envelops us there.

What is keeping you in times of turmoil and uncertainty?

When it feels like all-hell-loose-on-wheels, friend—when you feel like you’ve lost all sense of direction—no matter what, do not venture outside the keep.

Stay there, in Jesus. Make certain your heart and mind are stayed on Him. This is what will get you through to the other side of turmoil and uncertainty.

1. Sparkling Gems from the Greek, Rick Renner © 2003. Teach All Nations.