PEACE- DAY BY DAY
As the clouds and winds of war appear to be once again gathering even upon our shores, we enter into a new year with many uncertainties about the peace we can reasonably expect from the worldly perspective. However, whatever the world brings this year, our peace can and needs to remain as solid and secure as the Rock upon which our peace is built.
(Jn 16:33) These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
True to his word, we don’t need WW III to know and experience the reality of “In the world you will have tribulation” as there is hardly a family I know that has not been at least touched, if not slammed by cancer. There are no families in this world that have not already experienced and will continue to experience the loss of loved ones as the curse and ravages of sin are allowed to serve its purpose in this age. Regardless of the form this year’s tribulation brings we can be “of good cheer” and at peace knowing that “I have overcome the world.”
“Thou dost keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in Thee.” (Isa 26:3)
Our peace needs to be anchored in the sure promises and faithfulness of God: His love and care for us (1 Pet 5:7), His promise to meet all our needs (Mt 6:25-34), His promise of eternal life (Rom 6: 1-11), His assurance of a “new heaven and new earth” where righteousness reigns (Rev 21:1) and we are assured that “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life, Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Ps 30:5)
As we prepare for what may be a most tumultuous year it will behoove us to remember that the manna with which God sustained the Israelites was given daily and for that day, “the portion of a day in its day” (Ex 16:4). One can only imagine the angst they felt worrying about how they would gather enough to make sure that they would have enough to get through the entire journey ahead. For forty years, each morning (they did not gather on the Sabbath but were instructed to gather enough for two days only on the prior day) God was faithful to meet their need and their dependence was unquestionably and solely up to God. It is an important lesson that we all must learn and one that does not come easily to us that live in this land of plenty. Particularly when going through the great tribulations of life it is wise to remember that we only have today, and tomorrow belongs to God.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own troubles.” (Mt 6:34)
Keep in mind that the answer to our question of “How long must I endure this trial?” is “only one day at a time.” We are easily overwhelmed by questions of “How can I----?” when in the midst of severe trials and loss. Remind yourselves of the sure promises of God and His great love for you. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.” (Mt 6:33)
In the difficult times to come, be anxious for nothing because God cares for you. He is faithful to give you the “true Manna” the “true Bread from Heaven” enough to meet your every need today, “the portion of a day in its day”. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”(Rom 8:32) “In returning and rest shall ye be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be your strength” (Isa 30:15)
Br. Bruce
