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In the US many people are so caught up into politics that they seem to focus on this more than on God.Some are worried for the future. That is understandable. Many love their country. That is good. But when hope is placed in politics and politicians, rather than the better outcome, it is best to put your ultimate hope in Christ.
Our soverign God has a plan for every nation. The hearts of even the most wicked rulers are in God’s hands and He will ultimately bring about his perfect purpose. Therefore, you should not fret. Neither should you stoop to anger, hatred, division, or rudeness. Instead offer a prayer for peace that is an invitation to peace.
Encountered moments of peace invite movement where no one can hide from God. By embracing your spiritual kind of peace, you begin to taste a bit of God’s peace in your life. Jesus reveals the kind of peace that is nurturing and desirable. If you can’t fully understand the kind of peace Jesus desires in life in quite the same way due to circumstances that prevail, distractions of division, imperial control and poverty and the abuse of power, you pray for better understanding, read and study further in the word of God (the Bible). Even in small moments in this you begin to see the presence of Jesus’ peace in his ministry. And ultimately you allow your peace to expand.
Jesus makes a way in the grace of his invitation with shalom (peace), with a oneness, a completeness, a life in which all the parts are joined, moving and bending, pushing and pulling as one. Yes, there may be strain and struggle. Even though we continue to struggle with sin, our faith in Jesus produces peace with others. Jesus’ desire is for the peace within you be known.
There is something revolutionary about this kind of peace, especially when we work to make it possible for those in our midst. Maybe this is what Jesus meant, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7). Because he knows there will be questions and moments of doubt.
But the peace of God, “which transcends all understanding,” is the harmony and calmness of body, mind, and spirit trusting in the power and grace of God, offering you discerning knowledge. Ultimately available is joy, freedom, better understanding, and the warmth of a hand holding yours–Jesus makes a way. “Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives (John 14:27). Peace is not just knowing, but it is also living it out. Peace is sitting in comfort and knowing that God is next to your side no matter what. Live in Peace. Amen.
Rev. Carole, Assistant Pastor
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