No matter what the current crisis is in the world, there is usually an over-abundance of reporting and talk that can steal your joy and peace of mind. Well, with each new COVID-19 update that I receive seems to bring another wave of drastic change in the world and our society. Between school closings, business shutdowns, and alerts about infection rates, life has been completely turned upside-down in just a short time.
I’ve watched protests for and against the stay-at-home orders by state and local governments around the nation. It’s especially disheartening to see how some people are acting in unpeaceful ways, and say things they would not normally say in regular situations.
It’s difficult trying to navigate the uncharted waters through an ocean of information, and it’s quite difficult to focus on anything else. Regardless of the actual impact of what is going on, and what is reported, as Christians we need to act according to the Word of God. Colossians 3:17 (NASB) says, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”
It really hit home this weekend when a pastor friend of mine posted a picture of a lovely family in his Reno area church. The young mother in the picture died this past Friday from COVID-19 complications. Another friend let me know of three family friends who passed away due to the virus as well. Then, another friend just now told me that her mother just passed away on her birthday, but she can’t go visit her father because he has been exposed to the virus.
It can be very heart-wrenching, unsettling, and downright scary, but we can still have peace through all the storms of life. Remember, Jesus is a storm calmer (see Mark 4:35-41).
While you stay informed of world news, you also have an opportunity to read the latest updates from your Father God. His Word is filled with important news that can shape your day and change your life; for the better.
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) says, You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Having “Perfect peace.” Doesn’t that sound great to you right now? I’m talking about a sense of peace that things will be okay even when the world says otherwise. To experience a calming serenity; to know, without a doubt, that we can find safety in the arms of a loving Father.
We need to trust in The Lord and God will give us His perfect peace. He patiently waits for us to ask Him for what we need. He desires to be acknowledged, sought after, and prioritized over everything else in this life, including the coronavirus.
He wants us to trust Him. You see, trust requires a shift in our focus. A “letting go” and surrendering of our worries to Him. Trust is a choice we make to spend time reading the Bible and praying. Trust is a decision to hear from God’s Word before tuning in to the distracting voices of the world.
Trusting God is a willingness to invest in our relationship with Him. There, in His presence, we will find perfect peace.
Unlike many of the news stories of the media. the Bible is filled with great news, like how to find perfect peace that can shape our day in a positive way. It’s news that equips us and guides us. News that gives us the wisdom we need to turn our lives right-side-up again. It’s daily news from God’s Word that will shape each day into a life-giving way.
Romans 12:2 (NASB) tells us, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
God desires for us to be refreshed by Scripture and to trust in Him to provide everything we need. Accept the Perfect Peace of Jesus today and don’t be disheartened. John 14:27 (NIV), “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Blessings, Peace, and Stay Safe,
Pastor Chuck
I’ve watched protests for and against the stay-at-home orders by state and local governments around the nation. It’s especially disheartening to see how some people are acting in unpeaceful ways, and say things they would not normally say in regular situations.
It’s difficult trying to navigate the uncharted waters through an ocean of information, and it’s quite difficult to focus on anything else. Regardless of the actual impact of what is going on, and what is reported, as Christians we need to act according to the Word of God. Colossians 3:17 (NASB) says, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”
It really hit home this weekend when a pastor friend of mine posted a picture of a lovely family in his Reno area church. The young mother in the picture died this past Friday from COVID-19 complications. Another friend let me know of three family friends who passed away due to the virus as well. Then, another friend just now told me that her mother just passed away on her birthday, but she can’t go visit her father because he has been exposed to the virus.
It can be very heart-wrenching, unsettling, and downright scary, but we can still have peace through all the storms of life. Remember, Jesus is a storm calmer (see Mark 4:35-41).
While you stay informed of world news, you also have an opportunity to read the latest updates from your Father God. His Word is filled with important news that can shape your day and change your life; for the better.
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) says, You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Having “Perfect peace.” Doesn’t that sound great to you right now? I’m talking about a sense of peace that things will be okay even when the world says otherwise. To experience a calming serenity; to know, without a doubt, that we can find safety in the arms of a loving Father.
We need to trust in The Lord and God will give us His perfect peace. He patiently waits for us to ask Him for what we need. He desires to be acknowledged, sought after, and prioritized over everything else in this life, including the coronavirus.
He wants us to trust Him. You see, trust requires a shift in our focus. A “letting go” and surrendering of our worries to Him. Trust is a choice we make to spend time reading the Bible and praying. Trust is a decision to hear from God’s Word before tuning in to the distracting voices of the world.
Trusting God is a willingness to invest in our relationship with Him. There, in His presence, we will find perfect peace.
Unlike many of the news stories of the media. the Bible is filled with great news, like how to find perfect peace that can shape our day in a positive way. It’s news that equips us and guides us. News that gives us the wisdom we need to turn our lives right-side-up again. It’s daily news from God’s Word that will shape each day into a life-giving way.
Romans 12:2 (NASB) tells us, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
God desires for us to be refreshed by Scripture and to trust in Him to provide everything we need. Accept the Perfect Peace of Jesus today and don’t be disheartened. John 14:27 (NIV), “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Blessings, Peace, and Stay Safe,
Pastor Chuck
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