With Jesus, find the internal peace to work through fear
One of the most familiar phrases of all time is, “It was the best of times and the worst of times,” from the book “A Tale of Two Cities.” It feels like that today.
We have so much, especially in Ashland − new schools, new homes, new businesses, great city leaders and people who care for each other.
Yet we have legitimate concerns − rising food prices, economic collapse, frequent shootings and troubling worldwide events that don’t make sense. To make it worse, we disagree on what’s happening, why it’s happening, and, for sure, what to do to make it stop happening.
Other scary things also loom over us − the pain of cancer, a heart attack or injuries common to daily life.
Safety is our number one concern. We know this. Psychologists know this. Experts continue to give us countless reminders of how to protect ourselves. We pay attention because it hits home.
We crave a comfortable and predictable lifestyle.
We try to fix problems ourselves with a better job, a Hallmark-style romance, additional security cameras, a healthier diet and exercise, a tastier “it’s 5 p.m. somewhere” drink, or the hope of a billion-dollar lottery ticket.
God has much to say about this. He knows the world is not safe, relationships and economies fail and people hurt each other for no apparent reason.
He says He didn’t create it that way, but we must see it in a different light. It’s not about the scary things outside of us, but who is giving peace inside of us.
If we hang out all alone, we only have inspirational catchphrases like, “Climb every mountain,” “Believe in yourself, “Live your passion” and “We create our best opportunities.” These are uplifting sentiments, but they are insufficient to conquer our fears, and we know it.
God provided another way and another choice. Jesus said, if you let me live inside of you, I will give you peace. “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
That’s more than a pep talk when we lose a game, a job or a spouse. It’s the truth that works, forever.
It’s also more than an intellectual thought or a great idea. This is about a relationship that starts by agreeing with who God is, that He created us for a purpose, that Jesus did need to die for our sins, and that we do need His forgiveness.
We all have things to fear, but Jesus is saying he will help us to have internal peace and to navigate them.
Jesus never barges into our lives. It’s our choice. A choice between going alone or going with Him that results in a difference between fear and peace.
Jon Hall is a pastor at Ashland Grace.
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Column: Agree with who God is, we need His forgiveness
