Peace in the Tempest

The world is in turmoil. In America we have had another taste of what many in other countries deal with virtually everyday. Our country no longer stands untouched by terrorism within its borders. The divorce rate is out the roof. People ignore the sanctity of marriage, and in doing so lay waste to the foundation of moral strength and character (and I am not talking about just homosexual marriage, but the breaking of vows, and the lack of commitment to spouse and children). The entire country obsesses over insignificant offenses, while crying for the deletion of other's rights.  Natural and manmade disasters changed how we assemble and disseminate information. Inflation is rampant. Crime is up. There are few voices, if any, in the media or the government that we can trust. We turn on the television, and most of the news concerns terrible things done by terrible people that did terrible hurt to others. No peace. No peace. No peace.


Isaiah 23:6 states: "You (God) keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You." We need revival in America. We need revival throughout the world. Some believe that this revival will be brought about by scaring people into conformity with threats of judgement and doom. But as the tempest wanes, so will their fear, and so will their "need" for God.

For a long time, those of us from strict fundamental backgrounds were taught "in the world, but not of the world" meant that we dressed differently, listened to different (or at least older) music, talked differently, and acted differently in order to show just how saved we are. 

But the real way to show how we are  "not of the world" comes from sharing the grace and peace that comes from trusting in God. Trust in Him dictates our actions, words, and reactions to all situations. Trust in Him brings peace in the midst of chaos. Even when we are surrounded by devastation, lies, and disaster we can carry on contentedly knowing that God is in control. When those "in the world" can look to us and see that we have something they don't, we can reach out to them and share how God gave us calm in chaos, and light in the dark. And maybe then they'll join us in trusting Christ and receive peace in the tempest.