In Psalm 11:3 David asks a question that many of us are asking today in the midst of political turmoil, riots, civil unrest, limited church gatherings and a pandemic: “When the foundations are being destroyed what can the righteous (those that know, love, and follow God) do?”

David under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit answers his own question: “the Lord is on the throne and knows what is going on here on earth”.

On the eve of His execution, Jesus spoke words of reality and hope to His scared and confused disciples (John 16:33), “I have told you these (hard) things so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble but take heart (have courage) I have overcome the world.”

I know that many of us are frustrated right now with the major disruption in large group church services caused by Covid.  The stops, the starts, the social distancing, the masks, the limitations by the government, indoors vs. outdoors, small group gatherings vs. large group gatherings, Zoom vs. in person.

We tend to assume because of our previous life experience as Americans that what we are experiencing as Christians today is highly unusual. In fact, if you look at church history, it is not unusual at all. The collective experience of 2,000 years of church history throughout the world has been significant limitations on Christian’s ability to meet in large groups for a variety of reasons.

As 21^st Century American Christians, this is new territory for us and we find our patience wearing really thin and we want to lash out at someone.  We are struggling to find the peace that Jesus promised.

To compound my own personal confusion and angst, on Tuesday of this week Pam and I got word that we both had Covid.  In the midst of struggling with anxiety over our nation’s situation and our struggles to get back to meeting as a church, now I have another reason to be afraid and anxious.

The most common command in scripture is “do not be afraid”.  We can only obey that command by knowing Jesus intimately and getting His perspective.  As I draw closer and closer to Him, I lay hold of the peace that is beyond human understanding that He promises us.  I will only find peace in Him.

Here are some words from Paul David Tripp that can bring courage, strength and peace to all of us.  “Your peace is found in knowing that your Heavenly Father is not afraid of or will not be defeated by what makes you afraid or has the power to defeat you.”  In the words of Isaiah (Isaiah 8:13 NLT)  “Do not fear anything except the Lord Almighty.  He alone is the Holy One.  If you fear Him you need fear nothing else.  He will keep you safe…”

I invite you to join me in Holy awe of the One who loves you more than you can imagine and trust Him no matter what kind of troubles and frustrations you are experiencing.  He is your peace.

~Jim Hall