These are such sobering and trying days we find ourselves living in. Turn on the nightly news and it just seems like the world continues to stay in chaos or some new form of trials. These are indeed trying days.
Just when the world slowly began to ease its Covid restrictions and mandates in many cities and countries across the world, others still fought to hold on to tight controls. We wondered what was happening to Canada when the Prime Minister enacted martial law rules, arrested many of its citizens, seized funds and bank accounts, froze assets, and much more… What in the world was happening north of us? Was this really Canada or was this communist China?
Or many watched the news concerned or fearful that people were still getting ill with the new Omicron variant of the virus. Just about everyone I know, vaccinated or unvaccinated, seemed to have been ill with the latest variant. Some wondered: “Would this pandemic ever end? Would life ever return to normal?”
And then Russia invaded the Ukraine and hundreds of thousands, if not eventually millions of people, began to flee cities like Kiev trying desperately to escape the oncoming onslaught. Reports showed highways backed up for miles and miles as families tried to get away. News reports showed packed subways and train stations with young children and babies clinging to their mothers as many fathers had to say goodbye in an effort to help the country fight the invasion from Russia. And fear once again grips many hearts as we watch in horror or cry with the displaced and now homeless families forced to flee for their lives unsure of what is unfolding. Many people worry about the possibility of another world war as some world leaders try to negotiate a return to peace.
But where is lasting peace to be found? And where is real peace when countries are dealing with everything from the pandemic, to martial law, to economic issues, to soaring inflation, and gas and supply shortages, and much more? And where is real peace to be found now that Putin and Russia are invading the Ukraine?
Real peace is never found in the leaders or things of this world, but rather in the Creator of this world. And as we enter the Lent season and Ash Wednesday today, a time of searching our hearts and seeking God, it is becoming all the more evident that we all need the Divine help of God. We need His help the world over to truly negotiate our way to a lasting peace, that is a peace of mind and heart only He can give us--no matter the circumstances of life. He wants to give us a peace that surpasses all fear of pandemics, economic problems, dictators, and now the fear of another world war some are predicting or trying to stop.
Where is that peace? It can only be truly found in the Rock Christ Jesus, where He alone knows the future. He holds the nations in His Hands despite all the turmoil, troubles, war or wickedness in our world today. And He alone can give us a peace that surpasses all understanding. Will you draw near to Him this day and in the Lent season for next 40 days? Will you draw near and pray like never before for a suffering world and especially Ukraine now? And if you don’t know Him, will you open your heart to the hope and peace? Only One true Savior can help our weary world and His Name is Jesus.
Beloved:
I know so many of you are afraid. But do you know that you are My beloved children? I know your hearts are weary from the seemingly, never-ending, chaos of this world. I know many are suffering with the trials of this life, with fear, and much more. Draw near to Me and I will draw near to you. Do you know that I am the Only One who can give you My Peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding as you allow My Spirit to fill your heart and mind? Come close to Me. I Am the Answer for this weary world. I Am your Answer and your Lasting Peace.
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled nor fearful.” (John 14:27)
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD Himself, is the Rock eternal.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)