Peace…as elusive and rare as a roll of toilet paper in this historic moment of Corona virus, empty store shelves, social distancing and self-quarantine. Many people are worried, even panicked over the lack of certain consumer products, the fear of catching this new, contagious virus, the shake-up of their daily routine, the loss of all or part of the family income.
It is not surprising that many are searching for peace.
My mother is 94 and is bed-bound. She has wonderful caregivers in her home who take care of her daily needs and give her great emotional support. We have kept her informed as this pandemic has developed and spread because she is as sharp as a tack (and suspected something was going on when we all started wearing masks around her!). Mom is a believer and has been ready for some years now to meet Jesus and to see my dad, her husband, again. She is not in pain and has made the most of her time these last few years but, her desire is to move on to her heavenly home. She is not fearful about this virus taking her life should God choose to end it that way. She knows that God holds her in the palm of His hand and that her days were numbered by God even before she was born. Is it possible for the rest of us to have that kind of peace? Absolutely! Let’s look at what God’s Word says:
1) We can have peace with Christ.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3
Is your mind steadfastly attuned to Him? Are you faithfully reading His Word during this unprecedented time of upheaval and change? Are you prayerfully going about your day, talking to the Father, thanking Him for the little blessings he pours out on you even in this difficult season? I have enjoyed having my daughter (our youngest) home from college. She has become my exercise buddy—Zoom fitness classes, tennis, and walks in the park— my shopping buddy as we search for surgical masks and toilet paper, and our in-house comedienne (Let’s laugh about it or we’ll cry). Her presence is a blessing. I do not have enough space here to list the blessings God has bestowed on us the last few weeks but I hope you will look for those blessings in your life and remember to be thankful.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
2) We needn’t worry when we know the final outcome for the Christian—eternal existence with God in heaven, where joy knows no bounds and sickness and evil are forever vanquished!
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.” Isaiah 65:17
“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:2-3
The Bible tells us to live with a heavenly mindset, knowing that this world is not our home. For the believer, this world is only a temporary stopping place to our eternity with God. There is a tomorrow…and it is glorious!
3) God is ultimately in charge of the world and everything that is in it. (And aren’t we glad!) Your children belong to God. Your spouse belongs to God. Your elderly parents belong to God. Why worry over what exists in the very palm of God’s protective hand?
“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.” Psalm 24:1-2
A long time ago my husband and I gave our children over to the Lord. Of course, they were already Hisbut that“letting go”, that dedication of them to God, is an important step for every parent. We all must come to the realization that our childrens’ safety—their future–rests solely with Him. And we have to be ‘OK’ with that. If we do not turn our children over to the Lord, we will literally fall apart every time they walk out the door, get in their car, board an airplane or make a bad decision. During this Corona virus outbreak, of course, we must use wisdom and follow the safety guidelines, but we must also rest in the peace of knowing that God is in control.
4) God already knew how this pandemic was going to effect you. He knew you were going to: get sick with Covid-19, lose your job, have a family member pass away with the virus, test your marriage to the breaking point, experience depression and loneliness. None of this came as a surprise to him. He is more than aware of your daily stresses, needs and fears. He is waiting there at the throne of grace—the fountain of blessing— to meet your need, quiet your heart and give you peace.
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.” Psalm 145:18-19
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Consider this: When we go through trials and difficulties, whatever they may be, God waits expectantly to see how we will respond. Every tribulation is an opportunity to exhibit peace to the unbelieving world–the quiet confidence that says, “I am a child of God and he’s got this, he’s got me, he’s got my family.” And furthermore, we have the opportunity to tell others,”You too, can know this peace”! What better time to share Christ with your unbelieving friends and family members? Are you ready? Or are you frazzled, stressed, and panicked? The world is looking for calm amid the storm. Let’s trust in the God who loves us with an ever-lasting love and will never leave us nor forsake us in our time of need. That way we can be a model of peace for those who are filled with anxiety and fear in this uncertain time.
