He knew better than we could ever know, the kind of troubles we would have to face; and well ahead of them, He promised us His peace and gave it freely. “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Letting us know that in the face of serious challenges to our peace, when the only thing we see is trouble and fear, He has given us peace. That peace will overshadow and calm every storm in ways that only He can. “Peace, be still…” (Mark 4:39)
Imagine what they must have experienced, not knowing when next they were going to travel, and for how long they were traveling. Can you identify with them in these COVID-19 times? I can. I feel their frustrations. I feel their disappointment and distress. They had many questions. Maybe they expected the promised land to be just around the corner from Egypt. And the journey was taking forever! Their eyes were clouded over by what they were going through. So much that they failed to realise that their clothes were growing on them and their shoes did not fall apart.
In these times of fear, sickness, and death, there is a tendency to focus on the events around us. It is not good news anywhere in the world. Those who are well are fearful of catching a highly contagious COVID-19. Those who are sick are fearful of death. It is not farfetched, for all around us, we hear of sickness, of death on a daily basis and in huge numbers. Every news media carries the sad news. You can hardly avoid it.
We are not supposed to panic or be fearful. We know that God is still on His throne and He is totally aware of these events. This is a time to exercise our faith. To look at the facts and hold on to the truth of God’s promises.
I would choose a dry morsel with quietness any day. Someone said it’s the path of least resistance, and I won’t go far that way. Maybe. But I cherish my peace of mind. There’s always a price to pay for anything in this world. Even when it’s free, it just means someone else paid the price. Look at salvation. It comes free to us because Jesus paid the price. He died on the cross in our place. Bore the pain and the shame, so that we didn’t have to.
What a beautiful gift! The gift of peace. And this peace is not like the peace the world offers, which is shortlived at best, and unreliable. This is real peace. The kind that keeps you calm and settled even when facing the worst dilemma. Solid peace. When the Prince of Peace brings you peace, you can relax and enjoy that peace, knowing that He has you covered.
Our lives are filled with many uncertain outcomes. We have very little or no control over what happens in the next moment. Hence we tend to be anxious. The Bible tells us not to be anxious about any thing. Instead, we should pray and bring our issues before God. There’s also a promise that in its place, we will have the peace of God. Jesus said which one by worrying can add a cubit to his life? (Luke 12:25). Indeed, we can’t.
Be still and know that I am God
Be still, my soul and know
In trust, reclaim the rest He gives
Let every worry cease
There are times in life when we feel so alone, as if we have no one to care for us or look after us. Not because the people don’t exist, but more because at that particular time, we feel like they are far from us and cannot meet the particular need for affection, a listening ear or a warm hug. There are times when I feel like I have over-used the people around me and I just don’t want to bother them. Sometimes it’s because the issue bothering me cannot be discussed freely and I feel scared to open up to people. Whatever the cause, the fact is that at those times, loneliness creeps in quietly and strongly. With no one to turn to for help, what do we do?
So, what solution do I have to experience joy and encouragement on an ongoing basis? Look up! That’s what the preacher said. When you wake up in the morning and everything in you tells you that you are nothing and not deserving of a good day, you look up and remind yourself that it’s true. You don’t deserve a good day, but the One Who loves you more than you can ever love yourself has already gifted it to you. You only have to receive it. And even if the day still brings with it sorrow or pain, you can be assured that the One Who loves you is aware of it, and is working everything out for your good.
