Peace that Surpasses Understanding: Lessons from a Banking Dilemma August 23

There's still a small voice of God (1 Kings 19:12). Yesterday, I dealt with a bank that had sent a check to me because I had closed my account. So, I took that check to be deposited into another bank. I did that a couple of days ago and all seemed well. Then yesterday, I realized I had received an email from the bank where I deposited that check, and it said that the other bank where I closed my account had not paid the check. They're returning a copy of the front and back of the check to me. They keep the check, and I don't have the money.

Feeling increasingly anxious, I called the other bank. Initially, I got a runaround, but eventually, the person I spoke to said, "Let me transfer you to my supervisor." The supervisor investigated and said, "We do have the money, and we don't understand why your bank didn't pay. You have the money here, it should be all good."

Still, I was anxious, caught up in the situation. After hanging up, a reassuring feeling settled in, as if to say, "Don't worry." During the ordeal, I had asked the Lord to intervene, but I hadn't connected it to finding peace. Later on, it hit me - "All will be fine! Just let it be!" I've been in similar situations before, and it usually works out when that tranquil feeling comes over me. This experience made me reflect on the peace of God residing within me. While I believe it's always there, sometimes my focus shifts to worldly matters rather than on God. Isaiah 26:3 says, "He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on Him, because they trust in Him."

Scripture throughout the New Testament speaks of the God’s peace and guidance. John 16:13 records Jesus saying, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth." Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I aim to choose throughout the day to focus on God rather than the world. It surprised me how I got swept up in the moment's chaos until that peace settled in. James 4:8 guides us: "Come near to God and he will come near to you." If we walk in the spirit, we won't fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

Reflecting on Peter walking on water, it's clear that focusing on Jesus is key. When he shifted his gaze to the water, he faltered. Similarly, my focus should be on God rather than the world's turmoil (Matthew 14:28-31). In all this, the point is to realize that God lives within me. When I invited Jesus into my heart, He promised never to leave or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). My mind should dwell more on Him and less on the world. Eventually, as in past chaotic situations, it will all work out. I will get my money back. So I will trust God, and not get carried away in the turmoil. I love when I realize this, and can choose to stay calm because I have cast my care upon the Lord (Psalm 55:22).