For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

At times life can be like a roller coaster with lots of ups and downs. At other times life is like a maze and you don’t know which direction to turn next.

In the creation narrative in Genesis, God is introduced as one who brings order out of chaos, as one who brings light into darkness.  But there may be tumultuous seasons along your journey where your order collapses into chaos,  or moments when it seems the light gives way to darkness. This is especially when there is an unexpected diagnosis, trauma, or death within your family or among your circle of friends.

Of all the names in the Bible that refer to the promised messiah, during the past few years the title “Prince of Peace” has taken on new meaning for our family. Across our years of marriage and ministry, we have been blessed with good health, supportive congregations, and encouraging friends. However, over the past twenty years, we have experienced the sickness and eventual death of multiple family members.

When a family member is being treated for a catastrophic illness, you learn to be extremely flexible. You learn to pray in deeper ways than you have prayed before. You learn not to panic when the phone rings in the middle of the night. You strive to keep all of your family members on the same page regarding care and treatment. You take time to treasure your phone calls and visits with friends and family members because you are more aware of the uncertainty of the future. Such circumstances tend to intensify your stress level and keep your emotions on edge.

God has promised never to leave us but to give us strength in times of adversity. The prophet Isaiah told of a coming messiah who would be an insightful counselor, a proactive God, a dependable parent, and an ambassador of peace. As Christians, we believe that these attributes describe the life, ministry, and disposition of Jesus.

The Apostle Paul encouraged believers to look to the Prince of Peace for strength in every season and every circumstance: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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. (Philippians 4:6-7)

When unexpected difficulties and challenges come your way, take time to get reacquainted with the Prince of Peace. He will help guide your decisions and guard your emotions as you navigate the twists and turns of life. It is his nature to bring order out of chaos.

Prayer: God of peace, thank you for promising to be with us in all of the seasons of life. Whether we are on the highest mountain or in the lowest valley, grant us inner peace through our companionship with Jesus, who is the ultimate Prince of Peace. Amen.

(Barry Howard serves as a leadership coach with the Center for Healthy Churches and a pastoral counselor with Faith and Hope Counseling Center. He and his wife Amanda reside in Pensacola, Florida.)