And the media gives vivid details about wars and famines and hostage situations and suicides.
We live with the impact of the Covid disease as we adjust to a new normal.
The cost of living is increasing, we’ve just had another interest rate rise and it feels like we live in tense and anxious times.
So people have tried to find peace by taking tranquillisers or practise meditation or sleep or drink in an attempt to calm their nerves and forget their worry.
But these things don’t give lasting peace.
So how can we know the peace of God when the world seems to be falling to pieces?
Jesus told His disciples (John 14:27): “Peace is what I give to you. I do not give it as the world does. So do not be worried and upset.”
Now Jesus wasn’t saying that there wouldn’t be any struggles or suffering or storms in life.
After all, He was about to send His disciples to face opposition, imprisonment and violent death.
But in the midst of this hatred and persecution, they were to experience a supernatural gift – the peace of God. And this gift would steady them when they faced threats and would assist them when they feeling swamped and help them when they experienced poverty and sickness.
And the peace of Jesus can be thought of as a lighthouse in a storm.
The winds may shriek, the waves crash and the lightning flashes around it. But inside we are protected.
And despite our circumstances, we experience peace, the peace of knowing that the strength that protects us is stronger than the strength of the storm.
Jesus knows this world and He offered a real peace to assist us.
Because we need help daily to cope with life, God’s peace is the sense of well-being which comes from knowing that everything is under control, and in the hands of God.
This is what the apostle Paul meant when he wrote (Colossians 3:15): “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” For peace is a fruit of God’s presence. May you know His peace during this Christmas season.”
PASTOR (interim) DAVID HAMES,
Auburn Baptist Church.
