Distressing news bombards our hearts: war, disaster, unprecedented storms, violence, hatred, division, abuse, and broken lives. Escaping seems impossible, though we try. Feelings of helplessness leave us stuck in anxiety.
Chronic or terminal illness, loss of loved ones, or disillusionment overwhelms many individuals and families. Our weakness mocks us in those devastating moments.
What can we do? We don’t have power over what’s happening and can’t control these events.
But take heart! God’s Word, the Holy Bible, teaches us to:
Prayer is the most powerful force available. God gave believers the gift of asking in the name of Jesus Christ, knowing He will hear and answer. Jesus taught, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20 NIV). Praying about every doubt, fear, uncertainty, and problem that comes to mind is essential. We need to bring everything to Almighty God because prayer makes a difference.
Paul, a New Testament missionary, wrote, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT).
Paul also mentions giving thanks. It’s important to pray with gratitude, thanking God for all He’s done and all He’s going to do.
Faith requires focusing on God and trusting Him for answers. Our Father possesses all wisdom, and nothing surprises Him. The Old Testament prophet Isaiah wrote, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please’” (Isaiah 46:10 NIV). He’s aware of the results of every trial we face.
Our all-knowing God “changes times and seasons, he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning” (Daniel 2:21 NIV). His purposes will be fulfilled. Placing our hope in His sovereign care and control makes peace possible.
Scripture defines faith as the “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). It’s trusting God’s character and love. For “without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).
His reward is not that we will always get the answer we want, but that He will give us peace that passes understanding and grace to bear whatever comes. We can have faith in God and His promises, including that He will always be with us.
Stubborn resistance often appears when life disappoints us. Many of us want to govern our own lives. However, believing we know more than God hinders our peace.
Truthfully, we aren’t in charge and know nothing compared to God. Only our omnipotent Father has eternal wisdom. True freedom comes when we humbly submit to Him and accept His will.
Submission isn’t easy. God allows some hard things to happen. But when we pray in faith, trusting God’s will whatever the outcome might be, He gives us peace even amid pain or disappointment. He understands our hurt and anger when we struggle with distressing outcomes, but peace comes through submission and trust. We place ourselves in the hands of the One who knows the end from the beginning.
When we resist in anger and pride, we find ourselves in opposition to Him. Scripture teaches, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6b NIV).
Jesus set an example when He prayed in the garden before going to the cross. In agony, He cried, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42 NIV). The prayer that never fails is to ask for God’s will to be done. We can trust His unfailing love.
Listen for guidance from the Holy Spirit and step out in obedience: whether it’s going to work, cleaning the house, loving our families, helping our neighbor, giving to someone in need, serving, or resting, we do everything for His glory. We move forward in service and love.
Elizabeth Elliot, missionary and writer, famously said, “‘Do the next thing.’ I don’t know any simpler formula for peace, for relief from stress and anxiety than that very practical, very down-to-earth world of wisdom. Do the next thing. That has gotten me through more agonies than anything else I could recommend.”
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, then do the next thing that needs to be done.
Considering all the differing opinions, it’s difficult to discern a lie from the truth. We must saturate our minds with what we know is true: God’s Holy Word, the Bible. It’s living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and a result of His supernatural work. God’s words have the power to transform our hearts and minds. They equip us for what’s ahead. In His Word, we find the wisdom to live this life and face whatever comes.
Scripture teaches, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105 NIV). Studying all God says on a subject and not just taking one verse out of context gives us wisdom, direction, and truth.
Ask the Holy Spirit to be your teacher and then dive into His Word. Two great online resources are YouVersion and Bible Gateway.
Loving God above all and loving others as He loves us fulfills His greatest command. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:36-40). By His grace and power, we can love others and show them the same grace we’ve received. Love is always the right choice no matter what’s happening.
Jesus also instructed us to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45a NIV). Hating those who hurt us or oppose our beliefs is a strong temptation, but it will never bring us closer to God. On the other hand, loving others demonstrates God’s love for the world around us.
People in need surround us. Whether they need a listening ear, a helping hand, a monetary gift, encouragement, or support, we can show others who Jesus is by imitating His love. Often, when we’re helping someone, our problems diminish. God comforts us in hard times so we can do the same for others (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
Serving others is serving Jesus Christ. He taught, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40 NIV).
Regardless of what’s happening in our world, God equips us as we immerse ourselves in truth, talk to Him, and take the next step to obey by showing His love and grace to others. Trusting God fills our hearts with His peace.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/francescoch
Susan Aken writes devotions and articles for Wholly Loved Ministries, is an Oklahoma native who’s lived in Nebraska since 1987 and has been in public education for over thirty years. She and her husband have one son and a wonderful daughter-in-law. Besides writing she has a passion for special needs and prayer ministries. She enjoys time with family, reading, photography, movies, walking in nature, and a nice cup of tea. She believes life is a journey and we’re all in different places. Jesus is everything to her and it’s all about grace. Visit her at susanaken53.wordpress.com or on Facebook.