Every morning I turn on the news always with the thought in my mind “who killed who overnight or have more Christians been executed by ISIS.” Increasingly, we hear law enforcement have arrested Islamic terrorists somewhere in the USA. Officials have warned us they have the greatest concern about this Fourth of July weekend since planes flew into the World Trade Towers on September 11, 2001. Add to this, all the Supreme Court rulings this week and what it means for Christians; it seems safer to cover our head and stay in bed. However, we all know we must get up and keep going.
Jesus warned us that in the last days men would faint from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world (Luk 21:26); there will be terrors (21:11). He also told us “When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately (21:9).” He told His disciples they would face unavoidable trouble in the future. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation (Joh 16:33). He also promised, Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful (Joh 14:27).
The New Testament word for peace means tranquility, undisturbed state of mind, the absence of anxiety, and contentment. The Old Testament word ‘shalom’ means wholeness of life free from discord within our souls. Peace is not a state of mind or an emotion we achieve through human efforts or mental discipline. Paul says the peace of God . . . surpasses all comprehension (Phil 4:7). Neither is peace the absence of conflict, war, troubles, or disturbances—it is the inward assurance we possess in the mists of troubles. Someone said, “God doesn’t always still the storm, but He can calm the sailor.”
So you ask, “How do I survive these times.” The troubles of our world are no surprise to God. In fact, the Holy Spirit through scriptures tells us everything taking place today. First, we must realize God is a God of peace, Now the God of peace (Rom 15:33, Phil 4:9, 1 Thess 5:23, etc.) and He desires we live in His peace. Second, Jesus left His peace for us as a gift. It is ours for the taking. We must let the peace of Christ rule in your [our] hearts (Col 3:15). The word for rule, only here in the Bible, means arbitrate or govern. The root word means an umpire. In other words, let Him make the calls and control your heart. The word ‘let’ implies that we can impede His peace from ruling. We must choose to allow Him to reign in our hearts.
Peace comes through a relationship with Jesus. Sadly, people who have not received Christ as their Savor or even those who aren’t totally committed to Him can only hope for the peace the world offers, which does nothing for a troubled heart. For believers, peace is a fruit of the Spirit and grows as we mature in Christ. Yet, just as I must care for my fruit trees by watering, fertilizing, and spraying them to kill bugs and disease, I must maintain my relationship with Christ through increasing my knowledge of the Bible, prayer, and obedience to Him. The enemy of our peace is Satan. He uses fear, doubt, and worry as tools to disrupt our peace. It comes when set our minds on Jesus. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace (Rom 8:6). The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You (Isa 26:3). We shouldn’t ignore what is taking place in the world. I know people who never watch or read the news and are totally oblivious of world events. However, ignorance does nothing to alter the dangers we face as a nation especially Christians. We should be aware of the conflicts of the world, but not obsess over the news, Instead we take Paul’s admonition and let your thoughts dwell on whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, things that are excellent and worthy of praise (Phil. 4:8).
My wife and I were traveling with our infant son and encountered a violent thunderstorm. Lightning struck trees all around us. The wind and thunder shook our car. Of course, our anxiety levels rose, but I still remember glancing at our baby laying in his mother’s lap sound asleep. He never woke up. My concern subsided when I remembered I was God’s child. Jesus said we should become like little children.
Sustaining Word for the Week: An unknown author said, “It’s not the absence or presence of problems that determines one’s peace of mind; it’s the absence or presence of God.” Let Him be present in all your life.