Tag: peace

A Peaceful Perspective

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

Do you sometimes feel there’s too much noise, too much traffic, and too many demands? I can’t speak for readers in other parts of the country, but life is pretty hectic in North Jersey. On the other hand, if you live on planet Earth, it doesn’t matter whether you’re in the suburbs or the city, farming in a valley or living in hill country, turmoil will find you.

Sickness comes, debts mount, hatred invades, and opinions assault. Sin infects wherever people are found. Jesus not only knew this but experienced it, which is why His words carry weight.

He told His disciples they were about to face deeply challenging events, but they could find peace in Him. He added, “In this world you will have trouble.” That is not a maybe, but a certainty, and would sound pessimistic if He hadn’t added this clincher: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

 Jesus knew experientially what we can only imagine. Pain and sadness, loss and confusion, hatred and desertion—all will pass. The sorrows of this life are temporary.

We can endure what is temporary—a seedy hotel when it’s only one night, the pain of surgery when it promises relief, and tense conversations when the end is in sight. When we grasp the reality that all of life is temporary, we experience God’s peace!

Our future extends beyond what we see and feel. Anticipate the future and have peace.   

Isaiah and Jesus, Prince of Peace

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

The coming of a peace-keeping ruler had to sound as good in Isaiah’s time as it does today. As a remnant of God’s faithful people grieved at the surrounding godlessness, Isaiah’s words must have sounded sweet—a Prince of Peace would be born to rule on David’s throne.

Think for a minute about the conditions the Jews were living in. Their leadership was corrupt. their religion compromised, and their enemies roaring and advancing. While Isaiah warned the people about captivity as the consequence of their sin, he also prophesied deliverance—on two levels. They would be brought out of human bondage and, more significantly, they would be delivered from spiritual bondage by the coming Messiah. He would be the Prince of Peace. Peace—a word that fills the heart with longing.

“He will be called Wonderful Counselor, 
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, 
Prince of Peace.”

Now consider the conditions we currently live in. South Korea called for martial law. The Syrian regime was overturned. Gaza is decimated. Ukraine fights on, suffering bloodshed and destruction. Russia threatens nuclear warfare. Mysterious drones hover over New Jersey and Iran is suspect. In NYC a murderer has been praised and a hero has been demonized.

Isaiah steps into our chaos and assures us,

“A child is born, to us a Son is given,
 and the government will be on His shoulders.”

We need more than a political leader. We need the Prince of Peace whose government and peace will be endless and who will reign with justice and righteousness (see verse 7). But it is not for salvation from wars and wickedness so we can live in a safe environment.

We need the Prince of Peace who will rule in our hearts and minds now, and rule over the heavenly kingdom in our future. As much as we long for peace on earth, it is not enough—we need peace within and assurance for tomorrow. Jesus is brought to the forefront of our minds at Christmas. Let us make certain He is also in the forefront of our hearts.

Certainty & Confidence

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

Take heart! The upcoming election is secure. Anxiety gnaws, newscasts distress, opinions dither—but they only offer humanity’s feeble wisdom.

Remember! God reigns. He alone knows the end from the beginning. He sees what is yet to come. He is on His throne and is the ultimate authority in the affairs of earth.

Be encouraged! His purposes will stand. He will do what He pleases—to bless us, draw us, protect us—and to reveal Himself as the Glorious One and draw all people to Himself.

Isaiah 46:9b-10

Peace and Prosperity

~ Barbara ~ 2 Comments

Jeremiah 29:7 has me stumped! I love the verse for its sentiment and I’ve shared it before to encourage us to accept this fallen world for what it is—a place of exile. Our true home is heaven and earth is the place we travel to get there.

“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.
Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

My place of exile is the United States of America, specifically New Jersey. Jeremiah counsels exiles to make themselves at home in their foreign land and to pray for the place they live. The blessing in doing so is that as our country prospers, we will prosper.

But how do I pray? What words do I use? I look to Jeremiah for guidance and pray for the peace and prosperity of America and our greater area of exile, the world.

If lawn signs are any indication, I see an increasing number that ask passersby to pray for peace. Again, how does this translate? The warring factions in Africa, gangs in South America, and Middle eastern terrorist organizations seem obvious, but while I’m praying for the peace of Jerusalem, my neighbor is praying for Palestine. And which fractious political candidate will advance peace in our country, and at what price?

I pray for God’s peace and presence in whichever crisis brings me to my knees. Lord, may your name and reality be known and honored. May the people of every nation experience the inner peace and satisfied heart you alone give. Let the world come to know your love.

And prosperity? In America, renowned to be the most prosperous country? Lord, bless our land with prosperity for all—the farmers, the miners, the construction workers, the developers of housing and technology, the families on welfare, the unemployed, the business that provide jobs, manufacturers, preachers, teachers. May we prosper in truth, expose dark plans and ideologies, and love the people you created in your image.

I’m still looking for clarity and would love to hear your thoughts about this. Thank you for allowing me to ramble and work through this dilemma with you!

Image provided by Pixabay

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