Peace In The Midst Of Strife

Handling Fears God’s Way

Fear

One common emotion that cripples the mind and thwarts the action of people more quickly than almost anything else is fear. Fear is the sickening feeling of apprehension or dread. We fear because of the unknown. Since we do not know what will happen, we fret and worry about the outcome. When we allow fear to take its natural course, it puts us in a state of shock and paralyzes us.

Of course, the fear that is on our minds these days is the fear of the war and its offensive called "Operation Iraqi Freedom." We are uptight because we do not know what may happen in the Middle East or the Gulf Region. Some worry because loved ones or friends are in the military and deployed in a dangerous place.

Many fear that acts of terrorism may happen in our country. We may refrain from traveling and postpone a family vacation. We may even be fearful of entering buildings where large groups of people usually gather.

With our hearts gripped by fear, we do not know how to act. We want to be alone; yet we are afraid to do so.

We want to be around people; and yet, that also brings fear.

The Words of Jesus

When Jesus spoke about war He had these words to say:

"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come" (Matthew 24:6).

Notice that His emphasis is that we not be alarmed about what is taking place. I don’t think Jesus means that we should pretend that we do not have fears. Rather, He does not want fear and worry to drag us down.

Peace

God knew that it is very easy for us to be afraid. Sixty-nine times the Bible uses the phrase – literally a command – "do not be afraid." The opposite of fearfulness is to have a personal sense of calmness and peace. It is interesting that the Bible also uses the words "peace" and "God" together in the same verse, forty different times. Apparently the writers of God’s Holy Word made a connection between these two words and the absence of fear. In order to alleviate fear we must connect "God" and "peace." Scripture provides some important truths about peace:

  1. God is peace. He is called the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6) and the "God of peace" (I Thessalonians 5:23).
  2. God’s peace can be experienced through the person of Jesus Christ. "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).
  3. Peace through Christ is good news. "You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all" (Acts 10:36).
  4. God’s peace protects us in spite of the fact that we don’t completely understand everything related to the peace that He gives. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).
  5. God’s peace is always bountiful. "Grace and peace be yours in abundance" (I Peter 1:2).
  6. God’s peace comes through getting to know Him better. "Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of Jesus our Lord" (II Peter 1:2).

Personal Application

Here are a few things we should do to help us handle our fears God’s way:

  1. We need to go to God, who not only is peace, but who also gives peace. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).
  2. We need to put our trust in God completely. The Psalmist said, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you" (Psalm 56:3).
  3. Peace is not elusive; it can be ours. The Apostle Paul said, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful" (Colossians 3:15).
  4. The way to have peace with God is to be rightly related to Jesus Christ, by personal faith and trust in Him. Paul said,"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

God doesn’t want us to be fearful. He wants us to come to Him. He wants us to have peace in the midst of strife. He wants us to handle our fears His way. He says,

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7-8).

Receive Jesus today as your personal Savior and He will help alleviate your fears and give you peace. If you need help to make this decision, contact your pastor or chaplain.

Edgar J. Bender

Spiritual Life & Enrichment

Elim Care, Inc., 7485 Office Ridge Circle Eden Prairie, MN 55344-3690