Monday, January 1, 2018

2018 PEACE vs fear

No matter how optimistic we may be about 2018, there is always that fear of "What If" lurking in the back of our minds. We can't deny the reality of unprecedented violence erupting on our streets, increased hatred toward anyone who does not share our personal point of view and growing political unrest and tyranny all over the world.

How can we possible stay calm in the face of so much trouble?

On the night before Jesus was crucified he gave us a gift. "Peace I leave to you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives peace."

Let's be honest. What a strange thing for him to say on the eve of his death. Unless of course there is something more to this peace he gives.

We define peace differently than He intended. We think peace should be the absence of trouble. We like to see our problems tied up in nice little bows so we can FEEL comfortable. We think peace should be passive, polite and settled.

That idea is not even close to our Saviors gift to us. His peace is aggressive and fearless. John 16:33 states "I tell you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." We can't be victimized by events because we know God is with us. His peace enables us to be calm in the most wildly fearful circumstances. The peace Jesus gives is Supernatural Peace and doesn't make sense to our human mind because it's the peace that passes understanding.

So how do we get some of this good stuff? 

Simply put, we need to start trusting God with every detail of our lives and commit the outcome to Him. Trust and peace go hand in hand. He said..."Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." He doesn't promise us a trouble free life but he does promise to walk through life with us. "I will never leave you or forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

It takes practice to trust God and allow Him to fill us with faith. He is patient with us and will guide us as we let go of fear and embrace peace. Instead of worrying about the "What If's" in life let Jesus' gift give you tranquility in danger, composure in trouble and freedom from fear and anxiety.

Whatever may come in 2018 we will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:2