THE WEEKLY WORD
 a weekly devotional by pastor jerry robinson

February 16, 2009

Finding Absolute Peace in the Midst of the Storm

“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
(John 14:27 NKJV)

By all definitions, our world is in the midst of major crisis.

  • The global economy is spinning out of control as financial markets near meltdown mode.
  • Rising global demand and dreadful weather conditions are affecting global food supplies causing scarcity and increased prices.
  • Home prices are deflating like a bursting bubble all across the U.S.
  • The threat of unemployment has many Americans worried for the safety of their jobs and income.
  • Global armed conflict abounds as the “global war on terror” continues with no end in sight with more threats and rumors of wars on the horizon.
  • Natural disasters are occurring with greater frequency and intensity.
  • Our children are under a massive frontal assault from every direction including Hollywood and College campuses.
  • And the American Church has become a breeding ground for false teachers and demonic doctrines.

    And yet in spite of all of these facts, Jesus Christ has the audacity to tell His followers: “Let not your heart be troubled.”

    Maintaining our internal peace as followers of Christ would have been decidedly easier had Jesus never uttered these words: “Watch and be sober…” This fine balance of maintaining our peace, and simultaneously fulfilling Jesus' call to 'watch and be sober', has often been interpreted as an ‘either-or’ predicament by many followers of Christ.

    Our modern emphasis on ‘me’ and ‘my peace’ has unfortunately led to a drastic rejection of teaching on Bible prophecy all together. My contention is that the two can co-exist: We can “watch and be sober” in a total state of peace. Some who follow Christ, however, are content not to “watch and be sober” and therefore are intentionally ignorant of what is happening in the world. This is not condemnation, rather mere acknowledgement. What I'm saying is this: It is easy for a man blissfully ignorant of impending disaster to have a measure of peace. Why should he have any fear?

    On the contrary, a man who is acutely aware of the downward spiral mankind has entered and yet still has peace, is a rarity. Mark that man, for he is both wise and faithful. Similarly, as Christ followers, we are to understand the future without fearing it. True peace has become a commodity in short supply in our modern-era of terror, uncertain financial systems, and media meltdown. We possess one the greatest opportunities in all of history at this very moment: To live Godly lives in the midst of a fearful, unbelieving generation that is searching for answers.

    Walk in the peace of God. Live fearlessly in the face of disaster. Hold on to that which you know is right, good, and just. Understand that what lies ahead has been ordained from the foundation of the world. But so have you. You cannot lose nor will you fail. God's loving hand is residing upon His children in this hour. Let His peace and joy be on display in your life for the entire world to see. Your life offers a strong testimony to a blind generation that He exists and that He is mighty to save.


    Prayer: “Lord, thank you for a present, and a future, free from fear. Use me to display your glory in the midst of global chaos. Let the world see that those who follow You always abound in peace that no man can take away."