Peace

Peace?

After a tumultuous presidential campaign, this country is now faced with much dissension over the results of the voting.  Does God care what happens to our country?

God’s word says, “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.  He changes times and season; he sets up kings and deposes them.” (Daniel 2:20-21)  Yes, God is sovereign over even our elections.  What have I to fear?

Persecution and terror are at work all over the globe.  Where is God in all this?  His word reassures us that “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.  God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps, reach out for him and find him…” (Acts 17:26-27)  How wonderful to know that God planned and appointed these things from the beginning of time, and for his purpose and glory.

Everywhere we turn, people are suffering from illness, loneliness, hunger, homelessness, abuse, injustice, etc.  Why, Lord?  Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)  I’m not immune to the consequences of life in a fallen world, but Jesus is sovereign over it all!  Praise God, what a comfort!  He is with me and will never forsake me and is in control of all!

Natural disasters plague the world:  earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, and on and on.  How do we deal with this?  “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth  give way and the mountains fall into the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” (Psalm 46:1-3)

In John 14:27, as Jesus was preparing to die for our sins, he said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  He gives us his OWN peace—the peace that withstood every trial and test and never failed.  This he gives us.

How wonderful to know that peace and to cede all our striving and struggling for control to Jesus.

“Be still and know that I am God.”  (Psalm 46:10)

Marilyn is a retired OB/GYN and member of the Study With Friends Ministries advisory board.