No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD. Proverbs 21:30 ESV

Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 1 Corinthians 8:6 ESV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 ESV

No words could be more fitting for such a time that we are in right now as the words Jesus spoke to His disciples before He was to fulfill the will of the Father in dying on the cross and becoming the propitiation for our sins. He knew that those He had chosen and the Father had drawn to Him would face trial and tribulation and that they initially would not comprehend the full scope of His sacrifice, but He had a peace to give that the world could neither promise nor take away. As believers, we have peace in the midst of chaos and wickedness abounding because we belong to a sovereign God and a merciful Savior, Jesus Christ, and we have a hope and good news to share with others who are lost and clamoring in the darkness.

These earthly tents that we inhabit are dwelling within a fallen world right now. Romans 8 helps us to understand that creation groans and waits for the revealing of the sons of God, which has more to do with Christ and the resurrection and less about us being revealed as some superpower. Creation was subjected to futility by Him in hope that it will be set free from bondage and corruption while we groan for adoption and the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:19-23). You cannot turn on the news or engage in social media these days without being bombarded by the vitriol of hatred, division and sin seeming to ever increase. The world has no peace to offer. Do not be deceived. No alignment, agreement or compromise with a political agenda or popular opinion will bring peace. It is sad to think of those who do not know Christ and live in despair at what is going on around them. It is sad that there are some in the body of Christ succumbing to the pressure of this turmoil rather than resting in the peace of God surpassing all understanding. Their hearts and minds are not being guarded by Christ Jesus as it should. We cannot afford to forget God’s sovereignty and mercy, no matter what we face.

While many are in despair, others are suspicious, meditating on conspiracies and such which only breed contention and confusion. The focus is off Christ and onto the earthly matters at hand. Though the world cannot understand, we must remember who God is. He is sovereign. This is the essence of His omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. He is not moved by what is taking place. Though the god of this world, Satan, is wreaking havoc, God is supreme over all. As Christians, we are not promised a primrose path. We are not instructed to take over the world. We are instructed to preach the Word, the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are to stay alert and be ready for Christ’s return. We are to trust that God works all things, this includes those things which one would not consider a blessing, to the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

There is great peace in God for those who believe on Him and know Him as Lord and Savior. Though the world cannot offer true peace, we can take great comfort in the Prince of peace. I encourage you to focus on Him and His Word which will never pass away. If you have found yourself as of late becoming overwhelmed by the current state of this world, seek refuge in Christ. If the news is consuming your thoughts and your emotions, shut it off. Get alone with God and His Word. Meditate on it and thank Him for peace. Worship the One true Living God in Spirit and in truth. Pray without ceasing, especially for those who oppose the truth of the Word of God. Ask for His mercy to be extended to them and for their hearts to be softened to receive salvation. As it says in Isaiah 55, “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Praise God the Father for His sovereignty and His ways being higher than our ways, and do not despair. Our God is sovereign and our Lord Jesus is merciful.