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; a peace that is a gift of God to the recipient who seeks such. Peace is defined as freedom from disputes, the absence of mental stress or anxiety, and a state of quiet or tranquility.
Throughout the Word of God such a peace is offered when faith reaches out. Scripture reveals: Faith if 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 such 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 rose, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was filling, and the disciples came to Jesus saying, care not that we perish? He rose, 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 matter of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him (Mark 4:41)? There was a mixture of awe and fright in that it was eerie to witness the instantaneous dissipation of a violent storm.
Faith in Christ, in the lives of believers, can see miraculous works performed as well. I am reminded of an experience many years ago when my family and I, driving along in a car, was in a midst of a violent storm. I noticed my niece (a small child) with her hands in a praying manner and eyes closed; and immediately we were out of that storm, reflecting the faith of a little child.
Faith Reaching Out
Peace in a troubled world is through faith reaching out. Scripture reveals: Let us (the believers) hold fast the profession (confession) of faith (hope) without wavering; for he is faithful 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 mouth of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed (became) valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the enemy (Hebrews 19:33-34). Such victories bear witness of faith reaching out; encouraging others to be strong in the Lord.
Anchored in Faith
Peace in a troubled world grows more needful by the hour; as one listens to reports of troublesome times, can make one fearful; if not anchored in the peace of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. One’s world can evolve around reported turmoil, chaos, and destruction so readily provided through the electronic means of today; rather than allow the peace of God to help settle one’s heart and life.
If one does not have the Word of God, and His promises, ingrained (planted) in one’s heart, the enemy of one’s soul (Satan) can become a thorn in the side as he, and his cohorts, attempt to increase anxiety, and seemingly hopelessness, rather than one stand on the promises of God. Apostle James wrote: Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil (Satan), and he will flee from you (James 4:7). One is not to submit to fear, or the devices of Satan, but stand in faith against such assaults, through faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Peace that Surpasses
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 by 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 to 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 is exceeds one’s ability to understand it. God’s peace far surpasses one’s own understanding of the problem and ability to cope with and solve it.
Weapons of our Warfare
In regard 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).
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 (1 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.
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 (deadly diseases), 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, as foretold, which will later escalate into greater sorrow; especially for the unbeliever who will not have the peace of God to sustain them.
Ungodliness Influences
Pampered
Peace in a troubled world has grown in greater proportions due to downplaying of godliness; with ungodly influences being pampered, rather than dealt with, and allowed to reign in the land. There is an allowance being made for the increase of ungodly virtues, condemned in God’s Word, displayed with pride, openly proclaimed, and demanding acceptance of all.
Peace in a troubled world eludes any nation upon acceptance of ungodly persuasion. Coming to a state of “We have forgotten God” is in allowing ungodly leadership to relish in its accomplishments. In such there has been an opening for judgment to be unleashed rather than avoided. Thank God for the nation (or nations) that has recognized the need for godly and corrective action to offset ungodly trends, and maneuvering towards such a goal.
Day of Trouble
Peace in a troubled world is not attainable by walking away from God; rather by cleaving to Him, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 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: 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 our refuge, even the Most High, our habitation (resting place); there shall not evil befall you; neither shall any plague come nigh (near) to your dwelling place (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 said: Peace I leave 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 declared: You are Peter (His disciple), upon this rock (foundation) I will build my church; and the gates of hell (forces of evil) shall not prevail 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.
Jesus extended as invitation: I stand at the door and knock (door of your heart); if any man hear my voice, and open the door (only you can), I will come into him, and will sup (dine) with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:20). I made that commitment many years ago and have been dining at the Master’s table ever since. I pray that if you have not already made such a commitment towards Jesus, as your Lord and Savior, you will. Today is the day of salvation tomorrow may be too late.
GOT QUESTIONS A Website where Bible questions are answered. With over 7,000 answers to frequently asked Bible questions published online, approximately 85% of the questions we are asked already have answers available to you instantly. This Website is an easy way to search out any questions you may have.