This week has been pretty overwhelming for many people. A new war has broken out in the Middle East. Horrific atrocities are happening, which sadly we have a front row seat to see. Economic collapse is being predicted by many and even the possibility of a global war is often talked about. At times like these we should remind ourselves of the Lord's words in Matthew 6: 34,
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (NIV)
We are told many times in scripture not to worry. When we worry we have no inner peace. In John 14: 27 Jesus tells us that He gives us His peace. Because of this we shouldn't be afraid and we shouldn't be anxious (troubled) over things that happen.
In I Peter 5: 7 Peter explains,
"casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]." (AMP)
What would life be like if we truly did give Jesus all of our worries? What would life be like if we felt the true peace of Christ, that passes understanding, in our hearts? What would life be like if we realized the total love that Jesus has for us?
This is not to say that we should hide our head in the sand and not keep up with what is going on around us. But we need to be careful what we feed our minds with. If it is nothing but a barrage of bad, sad news then why be surprised when we become anxious.
Jeremiah tells us in Jeremiah 17: 7-8 that we are blessed when our confidence is in God. Jeremiah compares this person to a tree planted by the waters. When the scorching heat comes the tree still has green leaves. When there is a drought, it still bears fruit. How can that be? Because the roots of the tree, the roots of those whose confidence is in the God who never fails us, are provided life.
Philippians 4: 6-7 gives us an antidote to worry. In this passage we are told that in every troubling circumstance there is something we should do. We should pray by beginning with being thankful for the blessings God has bestowed on us and then we should present our requests to God. If we do this God promises to bestow the peace of Christ on our hearts. His peace will "guard our hearts". The Devil would like nothing more than to destroy our peace, have us in a constant state of anxiety and let doubts creep in. "Does God truly love you?" Satan will whisper.
Many today believe that Jesus's return is imminent. Perhaps it is. But that should not instill fear in us. That should bring hope. Evil's permanent defeat may be almost here. But if we still must wait a decade, a century or a millennium for His return we will still see Him when we die and that is not far off for any of us. Are we prepared for that? That is the most important question of our entire lives. Will He find us a faithful servant when He returns or when we die?
Many of us are familiar with Psalm 23. Many of us can quote it word for word. But do we take those words to heart? Do you remember what the Psalmist says in verse four? "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;". Even in times when death is knocking at our door, we shouldn't fear evil. But why not? The Psalmist tells us, "For You are with me;". When God is at our side, we don't have to be afraid of evil. He tells us that God's rod and staff are what gives him comfort. The rod and staff were used by the shepherd to guard and defend his flock. So God guards and defends us.
My prayer today for you and myself is found in 2 Thessalonians 3:16,
"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." (NIV)
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