I am a bit of a news junky.  I do like to keep up with what is going on in the world politically, socially and economically. There was a time in the past, when I had to stop watching the news. It would upset me a lot. I would see stories of children being abused or murdered, injustices worldwide, wars etc. and get so overwhelmed with the wickedness in this world that I would be upset for days afterward. I used to hear rumors of wars and see news articles about things that I knew were forerunners to the Lord’s return but instead of looking forward to it,I would worry about how it would affect my family, friends, unsaved loved ones etc.

I no longer watch and fret. I now watch and pray. I see how much closer we are to seeing many of the predictions in the book of Revelation and the book of Daniel come to pass but instead of reacting out of fear, I now react by using the signs as a springboard to pray for the people I love and those who need God in their lives. Fear tends to paralyze us. It keeps us on an emotional roller coaster. When things around us are going well, we feel good but when things around us are difficult we are tense and edgy and lose all our inner peace. I now think of the difficulties in life as opportunities to see God’s awesome hand move in my life or the lives of those around me.

As Christians, God provides us with a peace that truly does pass all understanding. When we stay close to Him, He replaces worry with trust and fear with peace.  I really am so thankful that though things around us can be turned upside down, God promises to go with us through the turmoil and see us through to the other side.  Let’s look at a few of the promises we have to take hold of…

Psalm 119:165 NIV ¹⁶⁵ Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. 

Isaiah 32:17 NIV ¹⁷ The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;  its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.

Psalm 29:11 NIV ¹¹ The Lord gives strength to his people;  the Lord blesses his people with peace.

and finally Romans 5:1 NIV 5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

If you are lacking  peace in your life and are struggling with fear, it’s time to look to God’s word for the truth of who you are and what you have in Christ Jesus. 1 John 4:17-19 NIV ¹⁷ This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear,because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.¹⁹ We love because He first loved us.

The peace that passes all understanding is not just for a select few. God promises it for all believers. If you’re struggling with fear, ask God to show you through His word, promises of hope and peace. They are there for the taking.

Psalm 27:3 NIV ³ Though an army besiege me,
    my heart will not fear; 
though war break out against me,
    even then I will be confident.