Sarah Young’s message in Jesus Calling on September 28 reached out to me. It stated When your world looks dark and threatening, come to Me. Pour out your heart to Me, knowing that I’m listening – and I care. Find comfort in My sovereignty: I’m in control even when the global events look terribly out of control. ….. Feel free to wrestle with Me about your concerns. But remember that the goal is to come to a place of confident trust and transcendent Joy. You won’t understand My mysterious ways, but you can find hope and help in My Presence. I am your Strength!
Our world continues to spin seemingly more out of control each week. In addition to the issues we have ongoing in our country, the world news is also more alarming as the war between Russia and Ukraine seems to be heating up after a period of relatively quiet time. In addition, North Korea and China also continue to flex their muscle for the world to see. It is quite easy to get caught up in the many issues presented to us daily over which we have no direct control. What can we do to find peace and tranquility in our lives at these times?
Psalm 62:8 – Trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him. God is a refuge for us.
This is a pretty simple and short message, yet it is also so powerful. These were words written by David during a time of a major trial in his life. He was as frustrated and worried and concerned as you may be today, but he placed his faith in the only place that mattered, in his trust in God. David began this Psalm with the following words:
Psalm 62:1-2 – My soul waits in silence for God alone; from Him comes my salvation. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be greatly shaken.
We too need to wait in silence to allow God to reach out to us, to pull us back to Him, our one and only salvation in this fallen world. Not only will God help us to hold things together during our difficult times, but He will also help us to be joyful again. We can feel free to make our wishes and desires known to Him, and He will answer our prayers in His time and in His way.
Philippians 4:4-9 – Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
The result for us will be to live in peace and tranquility to matter what is going on around us and around the world. Whenever I feel troubled by the world, I try to think of my four granddaughters because they give me such pleasure in my life, and I know that they are indeed a true blessing from God. I also find it helpful to remember familiar and favorite scripture and song that brings peace to my heart when I am troubled. A favorite song of mine to always go to when I am troubled is It is Well With My Soul. A favorite piece of scripture is the following that we have all known since childhood, which is so relevant and calming in our troubled times.
Psalm 23:1-4 – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
When you are troubled, come to God and share your concerns. Pour out your heart to Him, and find His peace and comfort through His grace and love for each of us, and His constant presence with us.