Fear, anxiety, worry, confusion, and doubt are in strong supply. Peace? Not so much.
Social media, coupled with the national media narrative, has only exacerbated the unrest of our minds and souls.
In one of Charles Schulz‘ Peanuts cartoons, Charlie Brown quips,
“I have a new philosophy. I am only going to dread one day at a time.”
I suspect Charlie Brown’s philosophy describes how many approach life these days.
But, don’t for a minute believe our present level of fear and anxiety are any different now than they were in antiquity.
Chapter six of the Old Testament book of Judges begins,
“The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight. So the Lord handed them over to the Midianites for seven years. The Midianites were so cruel that the Israelites made hiding places for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds.” (vss 1-2)
War was everywhere. Fear was palpable. Life was uncertain. Sound familiar?
During that turbulent time in Israel’s history, an unassuming, quiet man named Gideon was taking care of his daily chores – when God showed up.
Gideon had heard the stories of God’s thunderous voice shaking Mt. Sinai and opening up the earth. Stories of this God who protected Israel from the entire Egyptian army with a cyclone of fire. Yes, he’d heard the stories.
So when this God showed up, Gideon thought he was going to die. But, that’s not what happened. The story continues,…
“It is all right,” the Lord replied. “Do not be afraid. You will not die.” And Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and named it Yahweh-Shalom (which means “the Lord is peace”). – 6:23-24
What follows is of utmost importance.
Peace is not a thing; peace is a Person. His name is Jesus.
He said to Gideon, “It is all right. Do not be afraid.”
Many scholars believe the “Lord” here to be the pre-incarnate Christ.
The Bible calls him the “Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) Describing Jesus, Paul wrote,
“He himself is our peace.” (Ephesians 2:14)
The Old Testament prophet, Isaiah, prayed…
“You will guard/keep in perfect peace the one whose mind is fixed on you…” (26:3)
The Hebrew imagery for “perfect peace” is “double peace.”
It’s what Paul described as peace that “transcends/surpasses human understanding” (Philippians 4:6-7) It’s the picture of a tumultuous Category 5 hurricane churning the surface of the ocean into violent chaos while, on the bottom of the ocean, there is absolute calm.
That’s the peace God is offering.
Perfect peace in the midst of life’s terrible storms.
Peace is a Person. His name is Jesus. YWHW-Shalom.
And he loves you more than you can possibly comprehend.
Are you – or someone you know – burdened with fear, anxiety, or worry? Has Satan been hissing the lie that God has lost control of the world? The Lord comforted Gideon, “Do not be afraid.” He’s lovingly saying that to you as well.
The 20th century preacher, A.W. Tozer, said,
“While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a King who hasn’t surrendered His throne.”
That King is whispering to you right now, “I’ve got you. Trust me.”
I’ll finish by citing Paul’s closing words to the Christians in 1st century Thessalonica:
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
Grace and peace, nw