Christian Faith in a World on Edge
Finding Peace in the Midst of Global Uncertainty
Anxious. Nervous. Unsettled.
Those words describe how so many people are feeling right now.
Is the world entering a financial recession?
Wall Street’s falling value and trillions of dollars lost scream fear to those with retirement plans, such as 401ks.
The job market should grow more, making everyone wonder what will happen.
Japan has had its worst day in its financial market for decades, sending even more shivers up everyone’s spine.
Interest rates, house sales, jobs, and a presidential election are all fodder for the scream machine, the fear factor.
Are we on the verge of World War III?
The world is currently experiencing a record number of conflicts and crises since the end of World War II. Significant hotspots include Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and Syria.
The USA is sending ships to support Israel against Iran, Lebanon, and other state-supported terror organizations. All this happens while the streets of the USA see riot after riot against Israel and to support the Palestinians.
China and Taiwan, Russia and Ukraine, and conflicts all over Africa stir the molten pot of fear.
What is going to happen to our country?
Two political parties effectively hate each other. People feel dissatisfied with any or all of the options offered to them in this election. Hatred boils over from the verbal to the physical.
There is widespread skepticism about the election results that undermine public confidence in our electoral process.
There is increasing political violence that threatens the peace of the country.
What will happen when either candidate wins the election?
The political unrest fuels the fear and terror fire.
What is the Christian believer to do?
Trust God, His plan, and His ability to bring us through even the most difficult times. We are not to live in fear of what might happen. We must know that God has it all under control, and the God who loves us will watch over us.
Pray for those in political office, including our leaders, whether you like and trust them or not, no matter which political party they belong to. Do not pray for harm, but help.
You can vote and be involved in the political process, but always remember who you are and who you represent. Don’t succumb to social media attacks and hateful attitudes. As a child of God, you know better.
Remember that, in the end, you are a citizen of a different country. We are part of the kingdom of God. We pray for His will to be done here on earth as in heaven. What might be permissible behavior for a citizen on earth may not well represent our heavenly Father and home.
Seek those things which are above. Get the eternal perspective.
Fill your heart with the Word of God and His truth. Do not allow the media to drive you into the frantic fear of the unbelieving world.
Practice gratitude for all God has done and how He will work in this current process and problems.
Focus on what you can control and stop worrying about the future. Today is yours to live. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow may not come, but you can live today for the honor and glory of God.
Forgive; do not fall into bitterness and anger because you do not feel treated like you deserve.
Be a peacemaker, not a problem promoter.