Peace in Perilous Times

Image courtesy of Reuters.

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   I'm sure pretty much everyone has been following the events of the past few days, with American and Israeli forces engaging in combat operations against the government of Iran. Having been to the Middle East a number of times, I have some appreciation for the seriousness of the events taking place over there right now. Additionally, I have friends and family in the region, as I'm sure some of you may as well. It can be challenging at times to remain focused and not to worry about the implications of going to war in such situations. But how do we keep from being anxious at times like this?

   David writes in Psalm 24, "The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. For He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers (vv. 1-2)." First, we need to hold on to is the reality that God is sovereign. All the earth belongs to Him, and nothing that takes place is beyond His control. David continues, "Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face--even Jacob (vv. 3-6)." Second, we need to control what we can control. Those who dwell in the presence of the Lord are the ones who are obedient to His commands and who rest in the righteousness and salvation that God provides. In a similar Psalm, David says, "He who does these things will never be shaken (Psalm 15:5b)." Finally, we turn in worship to the Lord. David finishes Psalm 24 by writing, "Lift up your heads, O gates, and lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is the King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory." 

   The wars we are fighting may not be physical. The conflicts we're facing may be more emotional, financial, or spiritual. Regardless, when our anxious thoughts threaten to overwhelm us, let us hold on to the reality that God is in control; let us obey Him, knowing our righteousness is the result of His salvation; and let us worship Him as the mighty King of glory.