”Enduring Turbulence” Advent Devotion for November 29, 2021

"Enduring Turbulence"

Written by Hillary Lobenstein, Confirmation Mentor

Read By Marcia Flaherty

Rejoice in the Lord always.
Again, I will say, Rejoice.
--Philippians 4:4

The last two years have been turbulent in society and in my classroom. I teach high school, and that tumult and turmoil has spilled into my classroom. I have students struggling with their mental health, with how to get along with other students, and with their academic work. Recently, I found myself at the precipice of stress. I walked into my first hour class with tears still in my eyes from reaching that breaking point from that overwhelming feeling of stress. A few students expressed genuine concern, and for that, I am grateful.

The next day one of my colleagues came into my classroom before school and asked me, “How do you always have it together?” and she had tears in her eyes from that same level of stress. I laughed out loud and told her I had just been crying at school the day before! I grabbed my box of Kleenex, and we walked back from the metaphorical cliff of extreme stress.

In Philippians 4:4-9, Paul advises the congregation in Philippi. He suggests the following: Rejoice, be gentle, avoid anxiety, pray, be thankful, and be open to the peace of God. He also advises that we stay focused on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Then, Paul recommends that we should put those qualities of the Lord into practice to invite God and peace into our lives.

Dear God, Grant us understanding in our daily struggles so that we may become closer to you. Allow us to experience stress and turbulence so we may grow in our faith. Provide guidance so that we may help others during difficult times. Allow us to be your hands and feet to do your good work in the world. Amen.