Peace in a Terrible World

Without Ignoring the Needs

“Contagious Peace” painting by Myra Alibrando

but first, today’s audio Nature Narration: 3 Great Examples of Wisdom

Lockdown

Like everyone is March 2020, I thought we were all witnessing the next Spanish flu and half the people we knew might die in this plague. Six months later, I was questioning everything and considered by some as having an attitude problem with me questioning authority.

At home, I would go on and on about my suspicions to my wife who rightfully became tired of my constant complaining. She would say “What are you going to do about it?” She was right. I was making all kinds of negative noise not helping anyone. My concern about lies and manipulation grew with time. I watched those who questioned being censored or losing their jobs.

Super, Saving Verse for Me

About 18 months into this lockdown during my Bible reading, I came across a verse that has quieted my spirit in a great way. I have been feeding off this verse for nearly 2 years now, as it soothes my soul, and I would like to share this with you and explain why it is so good for me from 2 Chronicles 15:5,6,7.

In those days it was not safe to travel about, for all the inhabitants of the lands were in great turmoil. 6One nation was being crushed by another and one city by another, because God was troubling them with every kind of distress. 7But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” NIV

Darker Days Ahead?

I see dark days ahead. I do not say this like I am a prophet but more like an old guy who understands some things have predictable consequences. I see so many kinds of agendas intensifying as if their patience with any opposition is ending. This is like a boiling pot about to explode. I see the same thing with some nations against other nations. I see factions and powers tired of trying to win the people and now aspiring to force people “for their own good”.

Looking at these 3 verses, the first verse, verse 5, talks about how it was unsafe for anyone going in or going out … that’s everyone. Yeah, I feel like that is coming.

God Causing Trouble

Then the next verse says not only nation against nation but that God Himself will bring all this distress.

My wife asked me why God would bring distress and trouble to the world. I replied with another question. How many times in the Old Testament did God offer a blessing and a curse? Blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. God promises to punish, not just after Judgement Day but in every generation.

If you go online and search how many abortions are performed daily worldwide, you will find WHO statistics at 73 million a year. This is about 200,000 babies killed at someone’s request every single day. WHO complains abortions are not easier to get and that it is illegal anywhere.

It is very difficult for these numbers to sink in. We worry about war and plagues while daily murdering the most innocent humans. The highest estimate of all war casualties since 1900 is about 127 million. Horrible yes, but that is less than the babies we kill in 2 years. Covid deaths TOTAL almost 7 million including co-morbidities. Sadly, we kill 7 million human babies every 35 days for being unwanted.

Has God ever seen so much violence in mankind ever before? He will not stand by and do nothing.

Anxious that I Cannot Save the World

I am outraged but my complaining helps no one. What can I do to stop the killing? What can I do to stop the media from lying and censoring? What can I do about the world of education teaching children that evolution is true and Genesis is a lie? What can I do to help the orphans, the poor, the oppressed? I am stressed.

God comes to me with His love, fully aware of every detail of every sin in the world and says But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.

Don’t Fret, Keep Doing Good

Keep doing good. Do not lose hope. Know there is a God of justice. When punishment comes all around and the world is in chaos declaring lies in education, entertainment, news, and media … take heart. Be a blessing. Help who you can. Be light.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. (Psalm 37:8).

Give thanks in all things. Trust God.

Can you begin to see how God and His Word is calming my spirit in the midst of a dark world?

I read the verse over and over in many translations because of its powerful calm to me personally. I will share 4 with you, but please read them s-l-o-w-l-y.

But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” ESV

But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work." NAS

But be ye strong, and let not your hands be slack; for your work shall be rewarded. ASV

Now as for you, be strong and never be discouraged, because there will be reward for your work." ISV

OK God, if you say so. I will embrace your advice.