“6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.”
Matthew 24:6-8 (NIV)
Rumor of Wars
Wow, the turmoil in our world of the last several years is hard to comprehend. First, we witnessed pandemics that destroyed lives and economies globally. Now, we might be on the brink of another world war. The Bible foretold us of such events in our world, like in the above verse. But my heart feels in a frenzy with each new crisis, so I must seek the peace that only comes from our Heavenly Father.
As I search the internet on ways to find peace, thousands of self-help articles appear. These sites offer quotes to inspire, meditations to try, or prescriptions to alleviate the stresses that disturb our peace. These all may help for a moment. But self-help relies on me to solve a problem that is out of my control. Before long, my heart cries out again. I want to know everything will be okay in the end. So how do I find lasting peace in my heart?
God’s Peace
When we seek God for our peace, we find more than just words or temporary relief. We see His promise in Philippians 4:7 (NIV); “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” But, unfortunately, our world can not understand the peace that comes from God. God calms our hearts and minds in the midst of the turmoil, and He assures us of a better life with Him in eternity.
Christ understood how we would struggle with turmoil in our world. We find His comforting words in John 16:33 (NIV); “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We have a redeemer who understands how the world will try to rob us of our peace, but we find everlasting peace in our hearts through Him.
Verses About God’s Peace
But wait, there is more. Here are some additional Bible verses for us to dwell on when world events scare us:
- “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1 (NIV)
- “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)
- “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” Ephesians 2:14 (NIV)
- “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
- “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
- “Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.” Jude 1:2 (NIV)
When I find my mind in turmoil, I write. I often find the Lord provides me with the words I need to hear. So, today, I want to leave you with the poem He inspired me to write. I pray it helps you find peace with God.
A Poem
Seeking Peace and Rest by Yvonne Morgan The world appears full of darkness and sin, These problems cause our sorrow to begin. We seek and search to find peace for our souls, God sees us as we struggle through the tolls. If we watch, He will offer us each a sign, A smile from God provides us a life-line God says, “Come to me and find your rest.” Rumors of wars spread thru the lands, My heart fears, and I wring my hands. Where should I go to find my peace, I offer up prays for the strife to cease. Suddenly, I see a dove circle in the sky, A smile from God to remind He is nigh. God says, “Come to me and find your rest.” The skies darken, and the winds howl, Snows, tornados, or hurricanes growl. Where should I go to find shelter from these storms, God, please save me from each new danger that forms. Soon, I notice a crocus bloom appear in the snow, A smile from God showed me His mercies still flow. God says, “Come to me and find your rest.” Evil lurks in the darkness of the night, Demons wait to prey on children of light. Where can I go to escape from my sinful way, I pray for God to save me each and every day. The stars and moon twinkle their reply, A smile from God lighted the night sky. God says, “Come to me and find your rest.” Death and disease in our world abound, Impacts on every family can be found. Where can I hide from the effect on my strength, Please, God, help me find healing at any length. A doctor calls with good news on my test, A smile from God made my life feel blest. God says, “Come to me and find your rest.” Worry won’t a single day of life add, Pointless to waste time feeling mad. God provides us refuge for all life’s demands, We ask to place all our problems in His hands. Watch daily for the wink of love from God, His loving grace offered will leave you awed. God says, “Come to me and find your rest.”
As always, very well said my friend. Thank you for this encouraging reminder of where we need to seek peace.
Amen JD. Trouble times can make our hearts unsettled if we don’t have Jesus
What a meaningful poem! I am thankful we can rest in His peace at all times.
Me too. Especially with all the problems in our world. Amen
An apt piece for these troubling days. Thanks for encouraging us. God bless!
Thanks Nancy
What a huge difference it makes to know God doesn’t just give peace, He IS peace. He is the Prince of Peace. So grateful for your reminder that peace isn’t a thing or a feeling, it’s a Person.
You are so right Ava. And what a blessings for us to know this peace. God bly
All of these wars, wars, and rumors of war, coupled with international upheaval brought on by the pandemic do indeed point toward apocalyptic times. And yet, the Lord is near! Our eyes turn to Him.
I pray for more and more eyes and hearts turn to Jesus in these dark days. Thanks Melinda.
So good, Yvonne, and your poem is beautiful and a great comfort. There is a spiritual war at work that is even bigger than these earthly wars and pandemics. But we place our hope in the verse you provide, “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” Ephesians 2:14
Amen Jessica. I pray for God’s peace to be with you always.
Beautiful piece and powerful poem, Yvonne. Romans 15:13 is one of my favorite Bible verses. And this is so needed right now for believers.
Yes is so needed. Thanks Karen and God bless
Amen, Yvonne. Things may crumble around us but God offers peace. I also remember that our time on earth is temporary, that we have a forever, peaceful home in Heaven. I hope I can do my part to introduce this peace to those around me. Thank you for this encouragement.
Thanks Stephen. I pray the Lord grant you His peace daily. God bless.