PEACE IN A TROUBLED
WORLD
INTRODUCTION
Peace in a troubled world entails a drawing near to a source that can only be provided from on High which is sadly being neglected. Peace is defined as freedom from disputes, the absence of mental stress or anxiety, a state of quiet or tranquility, a peace of heart which is the gift of God.
Throughout Scripture such a peace is offered when faith reaches out. Scripture reveals: Faith is the substance (revelation) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). It was noted that this verse is not so much a definition of what faith is, as it is a description of what faith does.
Peace in a Troubled World
Bearing Witness
Scripture reveals that Jesus was in a ship, with His disciples, and a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beating into the ship, so that it was filling, and the disciples came to Jesus saying, care not that we perish? He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Peace, be still, and the wind ceased and there was a great calm (Mark 4:39). Jesus said to His disciples, why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?
It was noted that in the Old Testament such power resided only in God; now with the manifestation of such power being in Christ, His disciples in wonderment asked: What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him (Mark 4:41)?
There was a mixture of awe and fright and it was chillingly eerie to witness the instantaneous dissipation of a violent storm. Faith in Christ, who can accomplish such (peace) in the lives of believers, can see miraculous works performed as well.
Endurance in Times
of Distress
A poem entitled “This Too Will Pass Away” by an unknown author: If I can endure for this minute whatever is happening to me, no matter how heavy my heart is or how dark the moment may be. If I can remain calm and quiet with my entire world crashing about me secure in the knowledge God loves me.
If I can but keep on believing what I know in my heart to be true that darkness will fade with the morning and that this will pass away too; then nothing in life can defeat me. For as long as this knowledge remains I can suffer whatever is happening, for I know God will break all the chains that are binding me tight in the darkness trying to fill me with fear. For there is no night, without dawning and I know that my morning is near.
Faith Reaching Out
Peace in a troubled world opens the door for faith to reach out and touch others as well. Scripture reveals: Let us (the believers) hold fast the profession (confession) of faith (hope) without wavering; for he is faithful that that promised; and let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto love and to good works (Hebrews 10:23-24).
It was noted that it is easy to stir up hatred and godless deeds; it takes much more to stir up another to love and good works. Scripture tells of those who though faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed (became) valiant in fight (battle), turned to flight the armies of the enemy (Hebrews 10:33-34). These victories bore witness to the result of faith; encouraging others to be strong in the Lord.
Anchored in Peace
Peace in a troubled world seemingly grows more needful by the hour; as one listens to reports of troublesome times, one can become fearful if not anchored in the peace of God and the Lord Jesus. One’s world can evolve around the difficulties of life; rather than deliverance of the soul from anxiety, through the peace of God.
If one does not have the Word of God, and His promises, ingrained in their heart, the enemy of one’s soul (Satan) can become a thorn in one’s flesh in an attempt to increase anxiety in stressful times, rather than one standing on the promise of God. Apostle James wrote: Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil (Satan), and he will flee from you (James 4:7). It was noted one is not to submit to fear or flee from Satan but stand against him.
Peace which Passes
all Understanding
Peace in a troubled world is substantiated in the words of Apostle Paul: Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
It was noted that the solution to undue anxiety is pray in everything; in every matter of life. The peace of God is a tranquility of mind freeing the believer from fear and worry. Peace which passes all understanding is divinely bestowed in times of anxiety, so wonderful that it exceeds one’s ability to understand it. God’s peace far surpasses one’s own understanding of the problem and his ability to cope with and solve it.
Weapons of Our
Warfare
In regards to peace in a troubled world; Apostle Paul wrote: We are troubled (hard pressed) on every side, yet not distressed (crushed); we are perplexed, but not forsaken; cast (struck) down but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of human standards), but mighty through God to the pulling (tearing) down of strongholds; casting down (destroying) of imaginations (false arguments), and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). The Word of God is full of assurances that allude to peace in a troubled world.
Beginning of Sorrows
Peace in a troubled world sometimes comes through knowledge of such times. It was noted that Jesus described the characteristics of the time leading to the end of the age. He said there would be religious deception, political unrest, disasters, wars, and the persecution of believers in Him. In the face of all these happenings, Jesus encouraged His disciples to persevere in faithfulness, making the Gospel known to all the nations.
Jesus revealed: You shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you be not troubled; for all these things must come to pass. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers (various) places. All these are the beginning of sorrows (Matthew 24:7-8). We are presently witnessing the beginning of sorrows that will later escalate into greater sorrow.
Downplaying of Godliness
Has peace in a troubled world become a problem due to downplaying of godliness; with ungodly influences being pampered and allowed to reign in the land. Are we entertaining the ungodly culture of today? Are we allowing the increase of ungodly virtues, condemned in God’s Word, being displayed with pride, openly proclaimed, and demanding acceptance by all?
Has peace eluded us due to acceptance? Have we come to the state of “We have forgotten God” by allowed ungodly leadership to relish in its accomplishments rather than looking to God for protection and provision? Have we opened the door for judgment to be unleashed rather than avoided?
Contrast Between Wise
and Foolish
God’s Word gives the contrast between the wise and foolish: The merciful man does good to his own soul; but he that is cruel troubles his own flesh. The wicked works a deceitful work; but to him that sows righteousness shall be a sure reward. As righteousness tends (leads) to life; so he that pursues evil purses his own death (Proverbs 11:17-19). The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord; but he loves him that follows after righteousness (Proverbs 15:9).
When a nation casts off the “One Nation under God” concept it cuts off the benefits described towards the righteousness of man. It then falls under “We Forgotten God” category. Have we forgotten the gracious hand that preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us declared by Abraham Lincoln so very long ago?
Day of Trouble
Peace in a troubled world is not attainable by walking away from God; rather than cleaving to Him. Scripture reveals: Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me (Psalm 50:15). The Psalmist revealed that God is our refuge and a fortress, in writing: He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom will I trust (Psalm 91:2).
You shall not be afraid for the terror by night, nor the arrow that flies by day; nor for the pestilence that walks in the darkness; nor for the destruction that wastes (lays waste) at noonday (Psalm 91:5-6). We have made the Lord, which is our refuge, even the Most High, our habitation; there shall no evil befall you; neither shall any plague come nigh (near) to your dwelling (Psalm 91:9-10).
Peace of God
Peace in a troubled world will only come through a heavenly Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who stated (as previously mentioned): Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).
Jesus, concerning the Church, declared: You are Peter (His disciple), upon this rock (foundation) I will built my church; and the gates of hell (forces of evil) shall not prevail (stand) against it (Matthew 16:18). The forces of evil are very much in opposition to the Church when it stands for the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God; firmly committed to God, His Word and Spirit, and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
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