Peace Through Difficulties

None of us need to be reminded that we will have problems in life.  Difficulties may be small, or they may be large, but it goes without saying that we will experience trying times.  Calmness, tranquility, or peace - the opposite of difficulty - are what most people desire.  However, it seems that the harder we try to work through our difficult times the worse they get.  So, where should we turn when problems are heaped upon us?  The Bible says, “You [God] will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3).

• According to this verse the “You” refers to God.  That means that calmness of mind and spirit comes directly from Him.  God is the ultimate, divine source of peace.
• The peace that God gives comes through minds that are “steadfast”.  This means that when our minds are completely committed to God, they are not subject to change and are securely set in place.
• The way we enjoy God's peace is through personal “trust” in his character, strength, truth and reliability - all of which gives us great confidence.

The New Testament says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).  Having God’s peace as we go through difficult times will help us confidently rest in His strength to protect us emotionally (our “hearts”) and mentally (our “minds”).  With God’s peace we will experience a calm assurance because He is in control.  Where does all this come from?  The verse continues to say this happens “in Christ Jesus.”

Obviously, it is always easier to talk about trust than it is to do actually trust.  However, God wants us to move forward in life, and that will happen if we do not stray from putting our trust completely in Him. What difficulty, problem, or concern do you have today, or have you had recently?  Are you trying to figure things out using your own strength?  Why not enjoy the abundant peace that God gives?  Why not rest peacefully in His strong arms of love and care?

Joy During a Pandemic

With the Covid-19 pandemic, sheltering in place, social distancing, sanitizing activity, washing hands, closing of businesses, people out of work, and other things that have placed our country (and the entire world) in crisis, it is hard to think about being joyful.  In order to find joy some people have tried drugs, others have tried drink, some try music, positive thinking, and some just hunker down in anxiety and fear. Some of these things may bring happiness for a period of time, but they all lead to disappointment. The problem is that people are looking for real joy in the wrong places.

It is possible to have joy during difficult circumstances if a person goes to the right source. Even though the Apostle Paul was sitting in a jail cell he and his companion were “praying and singing hymns to God” (Acts 16:25). How could he do that?  He also could say, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). How could he say that?  During other difficult circumstances, he said, “I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.” (II Corinthians 7:4). How could he be so positive and joyful when experiencing difficulties?

What the Apostle Paul learned was to go to God who is the source of  joy. The psalmist helped point this out when he said, “You (God) make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11). When we come to God and put our trust in Him, we have found the right source of joy. God gives it to you and me when we have a personal relationship with Him. As a result, the psalmist notes that he was able to “Extol the Lord at all times” (Psalm 34:1). “All times” includes difficulties -- even a pandemic. For real joy God is the right source to whom we should turn.

What Happened to "March Madness"?

March is the month for the NCAA men’s basketball annual tournament called “March Madness” – an event in which 68 Division 1 college teams are invited to participate.  In 1939, Henry Porter, an official with the Illinois High School Association, wrote an article called “March Madness” for the organization’s in-house magazine.  Later this term was adopted by NCAA officials for the tournament.

However. this year there is no March Madness – at least as it relates to basketball.  The basketball tournament was cancelled due to concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  Obviously, this pandemic has put America and the rest of the world in a panic causing many different emotions including fear, nervousness, worry. anxiety, and stress.  COVID-19 is a virus we don’t want to get exposed to or infected with.  Nor do we want our family or friends exposed or infected.

So how should we handle these emotions that confront us because of the pandemic?  Where should we go to get comfort, encouragement and help in time of need?  In the Bible, Hebrews 4:16 gives us an answer. It says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  In other words, we should turn to God.  The psalmist says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).  In John 14:11 Jesus said, “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.”

There are several implications for us in these scripture verses.  (1) We need to pray.  (2) God is the one who will help us. (3) We can expect God’s help even when we are in trouble.  (4)  Peace is available to us.  The common theme is that we need to turn to God and put our fears, our nervousness, our worry, our anxiety, and our stress in His hands.

Heat and the Trusting Person

What do you know about summer heat?  Most of us who live in the upper Midwest know that heat always seems to be greatest in the month of August.  We know that it can scorch and parch the earth.  We know that shade gives us a welcome relief from the sweltering summer heart.

As the prophet Jeremiah described the person who puts their trust in Christ, notice his reference to heat.  “But blessed is the man who trust in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.  He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8).

A person who trusts Christ does not have to fear the problems and difficulties that may arise in life.  Look at Jeremiah’s quote one more time and notice 5 things about the trusting person. The trusting person (1) Will be blessed; (2) Has a constant source of nourishment and refreshment; (3) Remains alive and vibrant; (4) Does not have to live in fear; and (5) Bears fruit.

My question to you today is, “Are these five things true of your life?”  When problems and difficulties of life (that might be consider a scorching heat) arise, are you protected?  If not, what is it that you need to help your anxiousness and fears subside?  The Scripture gives us the answer.  It says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).  To trust the Lord is to rely on Him completely—in every way and at all times.  Put your trust in the Lord today.  Then you can address the heat of daily living with confidence and without worry because God’s protection and strength will be your experience.