Thinking vs Thanking
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
But, you may object, that was Isaiah speaking… that was long ago… to a different audience… for a specific situation. Isn’t it just ‘wishful thinking’ to believe this promise applies to me?
Well, Paul didn’t think so. From prison he wrote to the churches,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7).
He taught his young protégé Timothy to take hold of the same truth, indicating that this peace was something inherent to the Spirit of God Who indwells every believer: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Tim. 1:7)
Still not convinced? Well then how about the very words of Jesus Who, speaking to His disciples about a generation of believers who centuries later would see the signs and turmoil of the end times, said…
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Jesus gives this peace, He said, to “Anyone who loves me … “ (v. 23). God’s promise of peace is just as true to us in this 21st Century as is His promise to believers of hope for eternity: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32).
The fact these turmoil have come us no surprise. Jesus told us, “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
No dear believer, God’s promise of peace… peace for you, today, amid wars, rumors, rampant sin, love grown cold, greed — and COVID-19, is NOT ‘wishful thinking.’ His promise is a thing of ‘confident thanking.’
Don’t beg God for peace any longer. Thank Him for it!
With a thankful heart you will find as did Paul — and as have countless other believers — that “by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,” the peace of God settles in… a peace “which transcends all understanding,” and a peace which “will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7).
Press on…
thebrokenrunner 
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