FINDING COMFORT AND PEACE IN GOD

It was 4th April 2025 and I was looking forward to attending my JC gathering. I had not seen more than half of those attending since graduating 2 decades ago. Just as I was about to leave for the gathering, my best friend texted to say he wouldn’t be coming as he wasn’t feeling well. He has always been my pillar of support, especially during gatherings, as I don’t really enjoy making conversation with people I don’t really know. In my bid to encourage him to attend with me, I asked him what the real reason was. After a few messages back and forth, he finally opened up. He had “lost” more than 6 figures in the stock market. In the end, I went to the gathering alone.

2nd April is known as “Liberation Day” – the day US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariff on various countries, causing the stock market to plunge amid fears of an impending trade war and possible recession.

As I reflected on how one might be affected by the economic uncertainty, I realised that technically, we have no control over our surroundings – the people we interact with, the climate, the economy. But what we can control is ourselves. How can we have peace within us amid changes to our surroundings and times of distress? 

My simple answer is finding comfort in God. Peace begins when we stop trying to control the uncontrollable. We can choose how we respond, and we can choose to trust God who holds it all together.

Find Comfort and Peace in God

The Lord is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust (Psalm 91:2).

Life is full of uncertainty, but God offers a peace that doesn’t depend on perfect circumstances. True comfort is not found in the absence of struggle, but in the presence of a loving and faithful God. 

Find Comfort and Peace through God’s Word

Through His Word, we are reminded of His promises. Scriptures becomes a balm for the anxious hearts. “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

When life feels uncertain and chaotic, Isaiah 26:3 offers a promise we can cling to and centres our mind on the One who never change.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)

The prophet Jeremiah lived in a time of national collapse, and yet he found hope in God’s faithfulness. Though overwhelmed by grief, Jeremiah found comfort by recalling God’s mercies through His words. 

“It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) 

Daniel, even in exile, found strength and stability by staying rooted in God’s Word. His devotion to prayer and Scripture gave him peace amid uncertainty, even when dealing with lions and kings.

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” (Daniel 6:10)

Find Comfort and Peace through Trusting God

To trust God means believing He is good, even when the outcome isn’t. It’s resting in His promises, even when circumstances shake. It’s choosing faith over fear—not because we feel strong, but because He is.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) 

When we fix our eyes on God instead of our problems, peace follows. Trust doesn’t mean we won’t feel afraid – it means we’re not ruled by fear. We are held by grace. Abraham trusted God with the unknown and left his home without knowing where he was going – simply because God told him to.

“By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:” (Hebrews  11:9)  His trust brought peace in uncertainty and laid the foundation of God’s covenant promise.

Job trusted God in his suffering. He lost everything, yet he clung to trust in God's character.

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” (Job 13:15) 

Job’s peace did not come from understanding his pain—but from trusting God's sovereignty.

Find Comfort and Peace through Prayer

When the world feels overwhelming, prayer is where our souls exhale.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) 

Prayer is not a transaction—it’s a connection. Just as a relationship grows through time and communication, so does our intimacy with God.

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” (James 4:8)

Jesus, the Son of God, often withdrew to pray. In Gethsemane, facing the cross, He poured out His heart in deep anguish – which ended in peace and resolve.

“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42) 

In prayer, we don’t just ask God to work around us—we invite Him to work within us. Prayer shifts our focus from the problem to God and we receive peace not because everything changes, but because we are changed in the presence of God through faith and understanding his Word.

Conclusion

Chaos is loud, but God’s peace whispers. It’s steady, sure, and available to us right now. Not just after the storm but right here in the middle of it.

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)

You’re not alone. He is with you. And in His presence, there is peace.