12
Mar '20
Perfect Peace (By Dan Adams)
12
Mar '20
Uncertainty and the unknown are two things with which we’re often not comfortable. It’s during times of uncertainty that our minds can wonder and wander to worst case scenarios. The unknown can tempt us to be anxious and afraid.
The COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation we currently face is filled with both uncertainty and the unknown. While the Bible doesn’t address the coronavirus, it does give us comforting direction when we’re tempted to be anxious or fearful.
The words of Paul in Philippians have become some of my favorite encouragements during times like this.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7, emphasis added)
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.
Paul encourages us to be reasonable, sensible, and practical. At times like these, we need to let our informed minds lead when our emotions are tempted to freak out. Our response to difficult situations communicates a lot to a lost and dying world. If we react in fear, we communicate that we don’t trust God when it counts the most. When we have reasonable responses, we demonstrate our faith that God is always in control. Paul instructs us, “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
- A reasonable response includes getting timely and accurate information from reputable sources, and avoiding overblown hype from sources that thrive and profit from viewers and clicks.
Do not be anxious about anything. . .
Being anxious and worried about situations we can’t control accomplishes nothing. Anxiety is often a vicious cycle of mentally rehearsing worst case scenarios, many of which have little connection to reality.
- Let’s replace our anxious energy with efforts toward being alert without being controlled by fear.
But in everything by prayer. . .
While we may not be able to control the circumstances around us, we do know the One who is in control of all things. We can come to Him through prayer, sharing our concerns and asking for His help and comfort.
- When we’re tempted to be anxious or fearful, take that as a prompt to talk to God in prayer.
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding. . .
God promises His peace that goes beyond all understanding. That’s a wonderful truth. In uncertain times, it doesn’t make any sense and goes beyond understanding to have peace. And yet this is what God promises. He goes on to promise that His peace will guard our hearts and our minds. Isn’t that exactly where we need help and protection?
- Jesus is the Prince of Peace. It’s a choice to trust Him to bring peace to our hearts and minds.
We can’t predict the future, and we don’t know what tomorrow may hold. But we do know the God who is always in control. We have the Prince of Peace with us at all times. It’s my prayer that you rest securely in these truths today.
“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.” (Jesus, John 14:27)