The Peace of Christ

The following are a few thoughts that God has given to us, His family, through His Scriptures. His Word is what we as followers of Jesus Christ stand on and walk on as we navigate life in this broken world.

We know in the midst of darkness, the reality of the life of Jesus Christ shines the brightest. Did not Jesus ask us to shine the light of His presence during the darkest of times?

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16

God’s perspective brings all Christians comfort when times don’t make much sense.

Corrie ten Boom noted that only Christ gives us hope: “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.”

Here is how we can look toward Christ:

• Pursue His presence: “In your presence is fullness of joy.” -Psalm 16:11
• Proclaim His power: “All authority in heaven and on earth” belongs to God (Matthew 28:18), and His promise is that “all things work together for good (Romans 8:28).” This promise is not for all, but as the verse states, to all “who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” He certainly doesn’t say, “all things are good.”

Pursuing His presence and proclaiming His power will also produce His peace.

Remember less than 24 hours before He was rejected and beaten and placed on a cross, Jesus told His disciples, “My peace I give to you. … Let not your heart be troubled (John 14:27).” Jesus’ peace is God-like peace. He knows the beginning to the end, and He is right on schedule.

Peace and hope go together. They both point us to joyful expectations that good will come because God is good.

I don’t know why all this is happening around the world, but as a member of God’s forever family like you, I know I can always trust the heart of God.

“God is too good to be unkind and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart.” -Charles Spurgeon

Please know the team at East-West is praying for you at this time, and our heart’s desire is that you would please lift up our global staff as they seek God’s direction in wanting to point people to the only hope of the world—Jesus Christ—during these dark times.