What if peace isn’t founds at the “finish line” of our problems – but right in the middle of them. That’s what this message is all about: Living in the Middle with Peace.

Because if you were scrolling through TikTok this week wondering if the rapture already happened—don’t worry, you’re not alone. (Good news: you made it.)

But here’s the thing… while the internet argues about red cows and the end times, I think Jesus is more interested in how we live right now—in the middle of our anxiety, our uncertainty, and our messy human lives.

“Heaven” Starts Here.

When the Apostle Paul was writing hi letters, he had no idea that we’d be reading and learning from them 2,000 years later. He believed Jesus was coming back at any moment.

And yet, his words can still mean something to us today; we are citizens of Heaven. Not people wanting and waiting for the rapture, but people called to bring heaven to earth.

So what does that look like?
It looks like love, justice, mercy, and compassion showing up in the middle of fear, pain, and chaos.
It’s being gentle with others, and with ourselves.

Living in the middle with peace starts with learning how to be gentle with ourselves.

Gentleness…

… is NOT weakness.

Paul writes: “Rejoice always. Let your gentleness be known.”

Paul isn’t telling the Philippians or us to ignore difficult times. This isn’t toxic positivity – it’s not a command to slap a smile on your face when you feel like your soul is breaking.

Gentleness is strength under control. Know you could clap back but choosing a peaceful and gentle response. A response rooted in the fruit of the spirit: LOVE.

Gentleness is being kind to yourself when your brain lies to you and makes you believe “I’m not enough.”

You are enough.
Peace in chaos slowly begins as we slowly believe this truth.

Peace in Practice

It’s easy to read Paul’s words and feel like he’s telling us to simply stop worrying. It’s so much deeper. His advice is: tell God what you need, and thank Him for what is still good. Not escapism, but a grounding. It’s how we learn to steady ourselves when the world feels unsteady.

Because even when the middle feels messy, we can still find peace. A peace that doesn’t make sense. Peace that steadies our hearts and goes beyond all logic and reason.