It’s an understatement to say that over the last few days, my heart and mind have been troubled. A few days ago, terrorists marched into the neighborhoods of Israeli civilians, and committed unspeakable acts of violence. People were gunned down in their homes, women were raped, babies were beheaded, hostages were taken.
There is no justification for these atrocities. Period. I am appalled that there are people around the world, including here in the United States, that are not only justifying what happened, but gleefully celebrating these barbaric attacks. It is unconscionable. How deranged and depraved these people are!
Now, another war is upon us. More innocent people are going to die. I must confess that watching these things unfold has made me physically ill. My digestion is out of whack. I’m not sleeping well.
It’s time to recalibrate.
Focus.
My problem is easy to identify. My focus is on the wrong thing. Like Peter when he tried to walk on water, I have taken my eyes off of Jesus and begun to sink into fear and despair. Oh me of little faith.
It’s time to remind myself that God knows what He’s doing. I may not understand it, I may not like it, but that doesn’t matter. My role is to trust. Trust that He is good. Trust that truth and justice will prevail. Evil will not go unpunished… one day, the sheep will be separated from the goats (Matthew 25:31-46), and the goats will burn. That day is fast approaching.
Until then, I must take my focus off of what’s happening, and instead focus on God and His Word.
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sworn this oath:
It will all happen as I have planned.
Isaiah 14:24
It will be as I have decided.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.
Deuteronomy 31:8
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
John 14:27
Signs of the times.
When you look to the sky and see dark clouds, you know rain is coming. When the leaves start to fall and the temperature cools, you know that summer is ending and autumn is imminent.
The Bible tells us that one day Jesus will return, and the world as we know it will come to an end. It also tells us about the things that will take place as that time draws near. Many of those things are happening right now. Evil is rampant, persecution of Christians is on the rise, natural disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity, wars and rumors of wars are upon us, technology is pushing us closer and closer to a global system of trade and governance. And on, and on.
This is very good news for those of us who have put our faith in Jesus Christ… and very bad news for those who have not. But if you’re reading this, it’s not too late! Today is the day of salvation, and God has made salvation simple, so that anyone can be saved. Pastor JD Farag constantly reminds people that the gospel is as simple as A.B.C.
Admit that you are a sinner in need of a savior.
Believe that Jesus died to pay for your sins.
Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord.
That’s it. There is nothing else you need to do to find forgiveness and salvation. Don’t put it off. Don’t wait. Life is short, and time is short. In these troubled times, trust in Him, and find peace.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3
