Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

“ I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you.” – 2 Corinthians 2:4. 

If you have small children or grandchildren, then you will probably remember the book written by Judith Viorst about poor Alexander who has gum stuck in his hair to start the day and things get worse from there. One calamity follows another, but when Alexander tells his family about his misadventures, he finds little sympathy. Alexander begins to wonder if bad things happen only to him. Do you feel that way?

It brings to mind Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Paul was saddened to see the many challenges the people of Corinth were facing. Many of these challenges were associated with their faith. His goal was to encourage them. Though the circumstances are very different, millions of Christian families are currently experiencing various trials from the COVID-19 pandemic. We find ourselves in some degree of quarantine, living with fear and uncertainty, as we all do our best to prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading. And we pray. 

We pray especially for those infected with COVID, and those whose incomes and livelihoods are threatened. For those already isolated, lonely, and scared. God is peace and we need His peace today. The kind of peace that gives us the power to remain calm even in the middle of a storm.

In fact, you may have seen the famous picture of a storm raging on the sea with the winds blowing and the waves crashing on a big rock that stands alone in the middle of the ocean. And when you look closer, you see a little bird nestled safely in that rock. That is peace. The kind of peace Paul writes about in Philippians 4:4-6.  This kind of peace is not an absence of challenges or storms, but it is God’s preserving presence in the midst of the storm. That’s why Paul said this peace passes all human understanding.

I don’t think we could ever adequately describe God’s peace. You can sense it, you can own it, but it’s almost impossible to do it justice with words. But it is what God gives us just when we need it most. Just when you need a verse, He brings it to mind. Just when you need a friend; He brings one into your life.  God will flood your heart with peace if you let Him.

“If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble.” – Thomas Watson

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is it so difficult to find peace in our lives?
2. What can we do to find peace during the pandemic?