In a time when our world is filled with turmoil, when there are battles being fought, people are dying, and war brings carnage; in a time when nations align against nations, and evil unites against what is good and we wonder what will happen in the next day, the next hour – it is critical for us to hold on to the truth of Scripture and rest in the Lord’s Sovereign care. This is a time for every believer to keep eyes fixed on Jesus, “the author and perfector of our faith,” that we do not fall into despair and fear, that we do not shrink back in worry and doubt. Paul reminds us of a path to keep our hearts and minds focused. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made know to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4.4-7).
“Rejoice!” May we continually focus on our Lord, on His redemptive love and His sovereign care, His faithfulness and unfailing love. “Let your reasonableness” be known to others. May the way we live before others demonstrate our confidence in our Lord and His absolute understanding of our every day, every trial, of every situation in our lives and in our world. “Pray.” The Lord has given us the great privilege of prayer, has given us His Spirit to help us pray, and has opened the gateway to our Lord’s gracious Throne Room through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ; pray for the Lord’s will to be done, for the peace of Jerusalem, to stand strong in the midst of trial. “And the peace of God… will guard you.” His peace, “not as the world gives;” His peace, which envelops us with His hope, His love, His grace, His mercy, and His sovereign care, will ever keep us in the midst of every difficult, unknown, and unexpected event of our every day.
Having God’s gracious peace – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 