Peace and Hope Not of This World

There are many reasons not to have peace and hope in today’s world and culture.  The loss of freedoms, economic hardship, along with hopelessness and suicide, have been exacerbated by the seemingly endless government control brought on by COVID. Even the vaccines are posing health risks. Perhaps some are asking, is there anything to look forward to? Is this all there is to life? Is there light at the end of this “perpetual tunnel?”

It is comforting to know that there is peace and hope not contingent upon world conditions or how the virus is progressing. John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you…Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” These are the words of Jesus. This thought continues in John 16:33: “…in the world you will have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world.” Christian medical doctor, Chauncey Crandall, states that God’s “peace and mercy endure beyond every sorrow in this life.”

The peace and hope for Christians, however, extends to the next life. In John 14:2-3 Jesus says, “…I go to prepare a place for you…I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” Heaven is real. There is coming a time when every believer in the Lord will, by rapture or death, be in the presence of our loving God, with glorified bodies free of pain, struggles, and disease. The weariness of this present time will change in to the wonder of God. Let this become our new focus. For Christians, this life is not the end. What we are experiencing is not all there is to life. We have much to look forward to! May we rejoice that there is a peace and hope not of this world.

Here are two questions: On what are you relying for peace and hope? Have you come to know the Jesus who can give you that peace and hope that transcends this present world and outlives this earthly life?