Help for the Hard--no, Impossible--Times
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So far, a million people have fled Ukraine, making a tortuous journey to Poland, Moldova, Slovakia, Romania, in crowded cars, buses and trains. In freezing cold and with little food. To great uncertainty.
For many, they said goodbye to parents, husbands, even children. They stayed for many reasons—health, courage, believing they would be safe. Or because the government ordered men to be available for the military.
And remarkably, many headed back into Ukraine from the nations others were fleeing to. Why? Because they love their nation and want to fight for their freedom, even possibly at the cost of their lives.
Many others—including Russian citizens—are also filled with fear, worry, uncertainty. And conflict also rages in Tigray, Ethiopia, Myanmar, Yemen, Afghanistan, Cameroon, and others.
Humanly speaking, no one knows what will happen—to individuals, to a nation, to our world. At a time when our world is still reeling from a pandemic, loss of stability, inflation, wild weather, war…
We see epidemic numbers of mental health issues, fear, suicidal thoughts.
Who knows? Who can help?
Only one. God.
Whatever is plaguing you, God offers some tangible help:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Let’s look at these remarkable words from the Apostle Paul:
Do not be anxious about anything: Seriously? Don’t worry about anything? Surely we can try to fix a problem. Yes, and that may make a difference. But anxiety and worry never solve a problem but they do stress us internally.
but in everything: Everything. Every good thing and every bad thing, whatever frightening news you have received, anything that seems hopeless.
by prayer and petition: God invites us to talk with Him about the situation—to tell him of our pain, our loss, our fears. Prayer is having a conversation with God. Petition is a part of prayer—asking God what we should do or requesting what we would like Him to do.
with thanksgiving: Anything and everything call for giving thanks to God. When we say “thank you” as part of our conversation with God, we are saying that we trust Him, we believe He can and will do good for us. Those words—thank You—are like a key to open a locked door, letting God do what He knows is best.
present your requests to God: Again, God asks us to ask Him. What do we think would solve our problems, or rescue us, or quiet our fears? He receives our requests—and often proposes better solutions.
And the peace of God: When we are worried, anxious, fearful, what we really desire is peace—peace of mind, peace in our hearts, peace in our homes. God says if we do the above—in everything pray, give thanks, ask—He offers peace.
which transcends all understanding: God’s peace is not just a feel-better peace, a little calming of fear and anxiety. It is a peace beyond our comprehension. It is greater than anything we can imagine—a deep and comforting and freeing peace.
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus: Our minds are prone to succumb to the terrors around us, and they are capable of constructing all sorts of negative possibilities, of projecting terrible scenarios. Our hearts are susceptible to expanding fears and increasing anxiety. But our God assures us His peace will guard, protect and keep secure our hearts and minds.
Sometimes God answers our requests just as we desire. But often He leads us through the hard trial, right beside us, giving us courage and strength and hope—and peace.
What about you? What anxious thoughts or fears might you bring to Him?
C2022 Judy Douglass