All hell has broken loose in the United States of America. Our President has gone rouge and invoked an act insurrection and a hostile take over of the U.S. Capitol. Our country is divided. COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to increase daily. Racism, bigotry, hatred, and plum foolery is at a all high time. The unemployment rate keeps rising and stupidity seems to be the norm mindset of people living in the USA. Truly, it's like we are living in hell on earth. Yet, in the midst of hell, I am living in peace. I am unshaken, unmoved, and unfazed about what's going on in the world right now. Until Jesus' great return, the world will continue to experience turbulence and tribulation. But, I am going to continue living and basking in God's supernatural gift of peace.
I think as Christians we don't truly grasp the concept that we are in this world, but not of this world. Yes, as believers of Christ, we are called to obey the laws of the land that we live in, but we don't have to confirm to the belief systems, norms, values, and culture of the the societies and countries we live in. To summarize what I just said, we don't have to fear the things they fear, worry about the things they worry about, or live in dread when bad things happened around us or to us. Just like President Trump invoked a riot at the U.S. Capitol, we can invoke God's supernatural peace in our lives. We don't have to live in turmoil and anxiety. We can live in Christ's perfect peace.
Jesus gave us the gift of peace. In John 14:27 He says, "I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!" With everything going on in the world right now, it seems impossible to be at peace. And courageous, in the middle of global pandemic? While it seems like a difficult task, it's really simple to do. At times, do I get depressed, overwhelmed, and feel hopeless concerning the continuation of COVID-19 pandemic. Yes! More than anything, I am tired of it and ready for it to be over. But the reality is, it is not going anywhere anytime soon. So what do I? How I do I open and maintain my gift of peace? How do you?
Isaiah 26:3 gives us the answer. "Perfect, absolute peace surrounds those whose imaginations are consumed with you;
they confidently trust in you." The key to living in perfect, absolute peace is keeping our minds of the giver of the peace, Christ. You can fill your minds with what CNN says or you can fill your mind with the promises of the Word of God. You can fill your mind with negative, fearful thoughts about the bad things happening around or to you, or you can "keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind" (Philippians 4:8). The thoughts in our minds dictate our conscious and subconscious state of being. I can focus on what I see and hear in the natural or I can focus on what I read and hear in God's Word. Peace is a choice.
I don't care how bad this world gets. I don't have to live in fear of bad news (Psalm 112:7) or dread the evil things yet to come. If I keep my mind stayed up on Christ, keep an active prayer life, mediate and study His Word daily, get His praises on my lips, and worship Him for true heart and repentant heart, I can live in peace in the midst of hell. I stand on God's promise that He will give me His peace in every circumstance and in every possible way ( 2 Thessalonians 3:16).
You can keep stressing yourself out daily and keeping up with the latest COVID-19 numbers and what's going with President Trump, or you be like me and choose to think of the goodness of God and His Word so you can live in peace. I leave you with this scripture. I pray it ignites peace within your heart. You deserve peace. You need peace. You can have peace.
"I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33
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