-Strength for Today- "Finding Peace in a World of Struggle" - John 14:27

    This world is filled with insecurities, and on every side we are presented with:

·       Past hurts, and

·       The uncertainties of the future

    Our present realities are filled with pressures that are loomed with fear. And many wonder, is finding peace in the midst of all these troubles even possible? But let me assure you that having peace with God, (Romans 5:1) doesn't mean that you will be in a place where there are no troubles, but it does mean that in the midst of these trialing times, your heart is secure and calm. Someone once said:  

·       "No God, no peace.

·       Know God, know peace."

   And this is true, because without knowing the perfect peace of God in this crazy, mixed up world, we are as one struggling to gain control while being stuck in a pit of sticky clay. But when you focus on God’s Word, it alone will bring life to your soul, no matter what swirls around you on any given day because He is able to bring security, so you're not overcome with fear, or find yourself sinking down into a pit of hopeless pit.

    Jesus is your Rock, your place of refuge. You will never fully escape the mess of this fallen world. But in the midst of what life deals, you can remain steadfast and strong by choosing to come to Him, (Matthew 11:28-30), focusing on His Word, (Psalm 119:11), and choose not to be anxious about anything, (Philippians 4:6-7).

   God reminds us in His Word that peace will not naturally come. He tells to “Depart from evil, and so good; seek peace, and pursue it”- Psalm 34:14. Some “well-meaning people” will offer you vain ways for you to cover up the desperate emptiness of your soul with the superficial, external fixes of the world Such as:

·       Getting away for a few days, by

·       Taking a vacation,

     In order to tune out, life’s stressful stuff. But these are only bandages used, to cover the wounds sin caused. These will never bring relief to you in this crazy, struggling discorded world!  But the peace God offers is vastly different:

·       It's lasting,

·       Confident, and

·       Real.

    God's Word gives us the strength, purpose, and grace we need in this fallen world. It alone is what brings inner calm to a whirlwind of craziness that we face daily in this world - John 14:27.

Author: Plez Lovelady, Jr., PhD