John 14:27
“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
In a world faced with turmoil, trouble and trepidation, how should believers respond?
While it is only natural, proper and appropriate for us, to tackle problems with our strength and abilities, we do so because all these resources are given by God and should be utilised to alleviate suffering, injustice and unfairness. And very importantly, we must use our resources subject to and in compliance with God’s Word.
But as believers, how should our inner being respond to troubles, problems and crises?
Well, as the sea of life churns and becomes turbulent, tough to navigate and terrifying, we should maintain an inner sense of peace and calmness while in a godly manner, meet the challenges of the day. And this peace and calmness can only come from our Lord.
Whether in times of bliss or suffering, God is always present with us and as He is sovereign over all circumstances, our faith enables us to trust in and depend on Him. In fact, in Philippians 4:6, God commands us to be anxious about nothing but instead with thanksgiving and prayer, petition to Him. And as God’s perspective is eternal unlike ours, our trust should be enduring even if the outcome of any problem does not meet our expectation because God has our eternal good in mind.
And it is through a Christ-like response to our difficulties, challenges and problems that our faith may mature through spiritual growth and thus deepening our trust in and dependence on God. And this will be an effective testimony to the world, of God’s love, protection and care for His flock. And by remaining calm and at peace amid challenges, we will be able to obey God and be guided by Him.
And how then can we maintain godly peace and calmness amid difficulties?
This will depend on how much we trust in and depend on God. This does not happen overnight. Our trust in and dependence on God will deepen only when we seek intimacy and closeness with Him. This will involve a life of prayer, obedience to His Word and immersing ourselves in Christian community.
If you have not done so, will you do so from today?