The tumultuous times in which we live challenge our sense of security and well-being. In a world filled with violence, injustice, financial instability, and natural disasters, how can we live in undisturbed safety? Jesus’ words to His disciples seem contradictory—peace and tribulation just don’t go together.
This makes no sense unless we realize that Christ’s peace is not the same as the world’s (John 14:27). The average person thinks tranquility will come with an outward change in their circumstances: When I have a better job or more money, then I will be content. Or, If a particular person in my life changes, then I will feel at ease. But Christ offers a relationship with the Father that fills our hearts with satisfied contentment, no matter what the external conditions may be.
We need to understand that Christ’s offer of peace came, not when everything was going well, but just hours before His disciples’ world fell apart. All their hopes and dreams were dashed when the Messiah hung on the cross. Although they didn’t realize it, Jesus offered them exactly what they would need to cope with the trouble that lay ahead. In the same way, He gives us quiet confidence which anchors our souls in stressful times.
We can never arrange all circumstances so that we feel safe and secure. The way to overcome the world isn’t by removing difficulties from one’s life. Instead, victory comes from walking through troubles with quiet confidence in God’s sovereignty and divine purpose for everything He allows.
altruistico 
pertinent for the times we live in – thanks.
Hope you can be encouraged by my devotional thought today
http://moondustwriter.com/2014/10/05/in-tune-poetry-kindness-devotion/
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Thank you, moondustwriter, for visiting and leaving your comment. It is greatly appreciated. Yes, I too believe it is very much pertinent for our times. There will be much to come which will be worse to what we see and hear this day. It is what must be.
I have visited your site and viewed your current post. I enjoyed how you put yours words to for pictures of your thoughts (hope that makes sense). Also, visiting your “About” page. I have left you a comment of appreciation of it.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you and yours always. May His face shine upon you.
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thanks for your visit and comment. The horror site I write for is a place where darkness resides but there is still some light that can shine. If you get a chance go there Tuesday my piece is written and inspired by the words of Isaiah 59
http://penofthedamned.com
It is always good to meet a fellow sojourner …
Blessings to you.
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You are quite welcome, Moon (if I may call you moon). I too wish to thank you for the time in explaining to me what the site is about and your upcoming article. I will mark it on my calendar (Tuesday). I look forward to it.
Isaiah 59 deals with “Sin, Confession and Redemption.” I can see the correlation and again look forward to reading it.
Thank you for the blessings, Moon, and yes; it is always good to meet a fellow searcher (in Christ).
Yours in Christ;
Michael
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I felt the same way when my daughter passed away a few months ago. It is tough to be at peace when terrible things happen. As one of the readings at church this Sunday reminded me, we should “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 Praise God!
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I am so sorrowed at the loss of your daughter. I too, in 1984 lost my daughter to cancer. She was only 15. So, I am able to grieve with you and share that sorrow.
It is hard to have no anxieties when these things come to pass. However, God will always provide, always heal and always bring something good from the ashes of our loss. No matter what that loss might be.
My prayers go out to you, and your family.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you and keep you and may He shine His face upon you and yours always.
Yours in Christ;
Michael
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Thanks for the very timely posting. When we see the world in such chaos, it is wonderful to know that we can find everlasting peace in the Lord. Lord bless!
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You are absolutely correct, Rob. I am afraid it’s only going to grow worse; and, do so at a more rapid pace. We can almost pin-point our transition to the mid-60’s. Yes, the world was changing and our value system crumbling long before that. Yet, it was the 60’s when a remarkable change took effect. People (the world) started coming out of the closet (so to speak). Free and open sex, drugs and increased violent behavior was opening up as common place. As was homosexuality an open door in social crumbling. As Christians, I fear, we have not been a shining example to the world; more and more Christians are becoming “in the world” opposed to being “of the world.” if you count forward, from the mid-60’s, Rob, we find ourselves in the midst of the final jubilee…. Perhaps 2016 – 2017. A time of the rapture.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you and yours, Rob. Shalom!
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it’s hard to understand the peace Jesus speaks of. He, too, was ‘troubled’ by the coming events in his life.
Most of us consider peace to be calmness due to untroubled times. Problem is there are no untroubled times. The world is a dangerous evil place and we are never ‘safe’ from this evil and danger.
But our safety in God Almighty, gives us peace, or as the Hebrew understands it as:
peace, safety, prosperity, well-being; intactness, wholeness; peace can have a focus of security, safety which can bring feelings of satisfaction, well-being, and contentment.
Even in this dangerous world. We needn’t have the illusion of safety.
Our present and future are in our Father’s hands.
And he loves us.
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