Finding peace in Jesus in troubling times

Description: Find peace in Jesus in troubling times. Embrace his invitation, trust in his unending love and power, and overcome worry with faith.

Introduction

In today's world, we witness aggression, lies, and exploitation lying naked before us. It’s understandable that we might doubt God's presence. Yet, Jesus foretold all these things and more, offering comfort and reassurance in troubling times.

Matthew recounts Jesus’ words about the end times, noting that there will be wars, conflicts, famines, and earthquakes. These events, he explains, are just the beginning of birth pains, signalling not the end, but a transformative period (Matthew 24:6-8).

Jesus also reassures us, saying that while we will face troubles in this world, we should take heart because he has overcome the world (John 16:33). This is a powerful reminder that, despite the chaos around us, peace is attainable through faith in Jesus.

Jesus’ gracious invitation

Jesus extends a gracious invitation to all who are weary and burdened, promising rest and relief. He encourages us to take on his yoke and learn from him, highlighting his gentle and humble nature. In doing so, we will find rest for our souls, for his yoke is easy and his burden light (Matthew 11:28-30).

This invitation is an assurance that we can bring our worries and burdens to Jesus. He promises to give us rest not only physically, but also in our hearts, minds, and souls. This divine rest is a gift that can ease our anxieties and bring us peace amid turmoil.

A big mistake to limit God

Because we are of the earth, our minds cannot truly grasp all our heavenly God can do. Even though the Bible presents us with page after page of our God’s awesome and breathtaking involvement in human history, we tend to impose our own limits on what we think God can do, probably quite subconsciously.

This is a big mistake. God – our Father in heaven – is almighty. There are absolutely no limits on what he can do with just a breath or a word. And we should never forget it.

Troubles come – and too often, very worrying troubles – but our God is in ultimate charge. He always has been and always will be. Through Jesus, we can approach him with confidence. We can pray and he will listen.

No matter how bad things may appear, we should remember Paul’s words in Romans 8:28 and know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Finding peace in troubling times

Jesus offers a peace that surpasses all understanding. In a world filled with uncertainty and fear, his peace is a beacon of hope. We are encouraged to lean on him, trusting in his wisdom and love. By focusing on Jesus and his teachings, we can find stability and comfort.

Moreover, the Bible abounds with examples of God's faithfulness. From the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, to the miracles performed by Jesus, we see God's hand at work throughout history. These stories serve as a testament to his unchanging nature and his ability to bring good out of any situation.

Practical steps to embrace Jesus’ peace

1. Prayer: Regular communication with God is crucial. We should pour out our hearts to him, expressing our fears and anxieties. Prayer not only brings us closer to God, it also helps us find clarity and peace.

2. Meditation on Scripture: Spend time reading and reflecting on the Bible. Focus on passages that emphasise God's love, protection, and promises. This can reinforce faith and provide comfort.

3. Community Support: Engage with a faith community. Fellowship with other believers can provide encouragement and support. Sharing our struggles and victories with others can strengthen faith.

4. Service: Helping others can shift the focus away from our own worries to the needs of those around us. Acts of kindness and service can be a powerful way to experience God's love in action.

5. Gratitude: Cultivate a habit of thankfulness. Regularly acknowledging God's blessings in our lives can shift our perspective and help us recognise his presence even in difficult times.

Conclusion: we’re in safe hands

Jesus offers his peace, but we must offer him our faith. Remember that no matter how dire the situation seems, we are always in God's capable hands. By embracing his peace and trusting in his plan, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope.

While the world may be fraught with uncertainty and fear, Jesus' message of peace remains steadfast. By turning to him and relying on his promises, we can find the reassurance and strength needed to face any challenge. We should take heart and trust in the peace that Jesus offers, knowing that he has overcome the world and that we are always safe in his hands.