The Daily Word

We seem to be living in a world where lots of people are facing real or possible danger and to seek to save their lives they become migrants or refugees. Extreme political views cause persecution of others without any regard for their humanity, and a human life is worth nothing.

When I was young, I could play out anywhere in our neighbourhood or streets, even in the dark, without any fear of harm. Not so today, even in our so-called civilised society. Even in the most sheltered of neighbourhoods it is rare to see children playing outdoors other than in organised activities supervised by adults.

 These physical dangers and their effects are clearly visible on our TVs. But the limited evidence that is visible points to an even greater number of people who are suffering mental stress caused by a wide variety of life pressures including those physical ones above. This mental suffering is far more difficult to eradicate because there is nowhere to go from what is in your head. In many ways, mental disturbance and imbalance can manifest itself in negative physical ways.

 Whilst it cannot address physical violence from others, the Bible has the answer for that instability within ourselves and to bring peace into our innermost being which gives us an outlook that is less affected by world conditions. Psalm 46 v 1 contains words which are often quoted in times of national conflict or in the remembrance of traumatic events, “God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble”.

Christians do not retreat and hide away from world conditions but have access to an inner strength not created by human effort or remedy but given by almighty God. At the core of our being there is given to us a peace that truly passes understanding. It does not make us superhuman, it does not protect us from physical persecution, in fact it may increase it, but there is, given by the Holy Spirit, that access to God’s strength which non-Christians can never experience.

Letting God into our hearts and lives, through faith in Jesus Christ, not only deals with our sin question but makes us alive to God and part of His family and kingdom.

Article written by Brian Preston, Elder @SFGH