We live in a troubled world. Every day, we read about leaders and countries in conflict, civil unrest and the uncertain global economy in the news.
Beyond what is happening around us, the burdens and stresses we carry can also weigh heavily on our souls. In John 14:27 (NIV), Jesus promised us, “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.” How do we experience this peace that surpasses all understanding, especially amid trouble?
Make a conscious choice to trust Him. Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) instructs us, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” When we are troubled, our eyes and thoughts are often fixated on the problem and its causes. Trusting God means we bring our thoughts, fears and anxieties to Him. Sometimes we may not fully understand why God allows certain things to happen, but we can choose to continue trusting in His wisdom, mercy and grace.
Delight in God’s Word. The psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:165 (NLT), “Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.” Reading God’s Word recalibrates our hearts to God’s heart and gives us spiritual insight into a challenging situation. As we meditate on God’s Word, we gain His perspective and are assured of God’s eternal purpose for us. Our sovereign God can work through our difficulties for our good and to fulfil His greater purpose.
Walk right with God. Isaiah wrote, “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.” (Isaiah 32:17, NIV). Righteousness does not mean we are sinless or perfect, but that we are walking right with God and have no unconfessed sin in our lives. When we are living in disobedience to God, we live in guilt and have no peace. Proverbs 28:13 (NLT) instructs us, “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.” Instead of allowing old sins to cast long shadows on our present lives, we should account for them before God.
As we step into 2020, may we rightly choose to trust, delight in and walk with God to experience His promise of peace in all of life’s situations.
Lam Kok Hiang has over 30 years of experience in full-time Christian vocational ministry. He holds a MA (Biblical Studies) from Dallas Theological Seminary and has led Cru Singapore as National Team Leader since 2006. An avid runner, Kok Hiang shares a love for books with his wife, Sharon. Together, their desire is to see young leaders rise up in local churches and missions agencies across Asia.
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