“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” — Jimi Hendrix
What in the world just happened? We were just beginning the process of taking in air after the long and dreadful, stifling years of Covid and in the very next blink we are being strangled even more vehemently in the chokehold of war. Humanity's roller coaster is careening sharply downward once again at an unnerving clip before we can even catch our breath. I want off the ride! I desperately long to find the emergency break and pull it, ending this bad trip. Feeling out of sorts for far too long, I ache for life to once again be back on solid ground!
How my heart yearns for rest! For peace. And then, for the quenching rains of deep joy and for dancing and celebration of something - Anything! But my dance shoes will remain shelved collecting dust I am afraid, along with my naive hope that this will all somehow (just maybe) quickly and easily go away.
I want to take a gigantic mop and wipe clean the world's deeply soiled slate and wash away all of the panic and despair, all of the terrified-mother-tears streaking down tormented cheeks, and all of the blood of men and boys far too young for such horrific things. These same scared-courageous ones that, just a mere couple of days ago, kissed those very same beloved cheeks goodbye knowing full-well that it may have been for the last time.
My tender mama-heart is breaking for my fellow sisters. How does one possibly do this? Someone tell me please, how you keep on breathing when your very reason to do so just walked out the safety of their home's door toward the darkest and most dangerous valley known to man?
I slump and sulk in onerous prayer - "Lord, how long must we be afraid of the dark? How long must we bear with the proud and power-hungry lions that seek to devour and destroy and plunder? Please give us clear answers to our questions ensnared in panic's cruelly tightened trap. What is the best antidote for this pitch-black fear?"
Just then, as I begin to run away and hole-up, shivering cold, He comes alongside, as He always does, and calmly puts a soft blanket of comfort over my soul's hiding-scared heart. Jesus pours out His crystal words of sure promise into me and for all who know and trust in Him:
"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)
His words gently lift and walk me out to feel the warm light of truth. Faith in His promises will always be our shelter and strong shield against evil. Understanding just Who it is we have in our corner brings peace that will always overcome fear: He is the One that never forsakes, leaves or fails. God never changes. This world is in a constant state of spinning, breaking, and burning, but in Him we can be still, even when we are in the brunt of the battle. Even as we yearn and hunger for Him to once and for all make it better.
As this world does its shaky turns and gets knocked off its axis, we can stand strong and sure that He is still on the throne and fighting for His beloved children. Good will always break evil's spindly back and light will always overpower darkness. It is how He designed it to be. The intense and perfect power of His love will overthrow hate. And His deep and promised peace will always cover and obliterate fear.
Every. Single. Time.
Question: What is on your heart right now as we see what is happening to our brothers and sisters across the world? How will you pray for them today?