By Pastor Rob Smith
It’s difficult to turn on the news today and not be shaken by the events that consume us. COVID-19 has created a worldwide pandemic. As a result of nearly 5 million deaths, tensions over vaccinations and masks, and economic upheaval, people have become violent, aggressive, and hostile. The Bible predicted thousands of years ago that difficult times would come. That people would become unloving, reckless, and lack self-control (2 Timothy 3:1-5). How do we maintain peace in our lives when it seems like the world is collapsing around us?
Jesus said not to let our hearts be troubled. Why, because He said that He was going to give us peace, and not just any peace, but the same type of peace that He operated in (John 14:27). Jesus is not fearful or worried about what is taking place on this planet, and neither should we. That word “peace” means freedom from distress and uneasiness of mind. Is it actually possible to get to that place in your life? Yes, it boils down to where you place your trust. Either you trust that God is able to protect and preserve you, or you view yourself as a victim to the circumstances around you.
Let’s take a practical look at how Jesus reacted during a potentially disastrous time in his life. Mark 4:35-39 recounts a story of Jesus and His disciples on a boat. A violent windstorm developed and began to cause the waves to beat against the boat and fill it with water. The disciples feared for their lives, but where was Jesus? He was actually asleep. The disciples woke Him and accused Him of not caring for their lives. Jesus got up, and said three simple words, “peace, be still,” and the wind ceased and everything became calm. How could Jesus find rest and peace in the midst of the storm? He placed His trust in His Heavenly Father. As a result of that trust, He operated in total peace. He had no stress or uneasiness of mind. He didn’t base His emotions on the circumstances that surrounded Him. He told us that we can operate in that same type of peace that He operated in. When it seems like you are in the midst of storm, and your world is spinning out of control, it’s time for you to put your trust in God, and speak to those storms in your life, and say, “peace, be still,” and simply rest and relax. Allow the peace of God to saturate your life, knowing that He will protect and preserve you!
