Overwhelming peace.

The days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone. (Luke 21:6)

If you’ve been to the movies recently, you’ve probably noticed that the world seems to be ending a lot lately! In World War Z, the earth is threatened by zombies who are victims of a global pandemic. When the film Oblivion opens, our planet is already a wasteland. In Man of Steel, Superman has to save the world from destruction by aliens. The fact that these films are so popular may well be a sign that people are looking at the world today and not finding much hope for the future. 

But Jesus would advise us to look at the “signs of the times” differently. When we hear of wars and global catastrophes, we shouldn’t be terrified. When films and television shows try to whip up a fear of the end times, we shouldn’t listen to them (Luke 21:8-9). Of course, we shouldn’t try to ignore reality when a very disturbing event takes place. But we should also know that none of these are the end. They’re not even what the end is going to look like!

In fact, the end is really a beginning, and it isn’t something we should fear. Why? Because that’s when Jesus returns in glory! Yes, some catastrophic events may take place before that day. But Jesus tells us that they are “labor pains,” (Matthew 24:8). They are necessary because the world isn’t ready for Jesus to come back yet. But if we keep our hearts fixed on the Lord, we can be ready. He will keep us in perfect peace if we put our trust in him (Isaiah 26:3). 

How do we maintain that peace? When negative and despairing thoughts come, remind yourself of his promises. You don’t have to fear “the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day” (Psalm 91:5). You can call out to the Lord, “My rock, my fortress, my deliverer” (2 Samuel 22:2). Tell yourself that no matter what happens, Jesus will “never fail you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). Your mind is where the battle rages most fiercely, not the world. So take those thoughts captive, and rest in his mercy! 

credit: www.wau.org