“The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of his heart was only evil all the time.” Genesis 6:5
I recently discovered my great grandfather’s draft notice in a box of old papers, calling him to immediate service in World War I. A never-opened envelope addressed to his mother, held a $10,000 insurance policy in case of death or dismemberment. I understand why she never opened it. The thought of her 20-year-old son lying bloody and still on a field in France was too much to contemplate.
In our day, the streets of our country are filled with violence and death. People have only grown worse since that long-ago “war to end all wars.” The fears of my great-grandmother are not that different from my own when our paramedic daughter works in a large city wearing PPE and riot gear.
God Over Those Who Destroy Peace
My God is not an unconcerned observer who set the world in motion and sat back to watch the mess man would make. He is present, active, loving, and grieved. When God created man, He allowed him to choose between obedience and rebellion. Man broke the one and only command God gave in the Garden and has suffered the consequences ever since. 
New acts of evil make the headlines every day. Paul wrote, “since they [man] did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, He gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.” Hatred and a determination to cancel the right of decent people to worship and proclaim God’s truth run rampant.
Where can we find rest in a world where rules and definitions change overnight, controlled by the whims of man? Jesus tells us, in John 10:27-28, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”
Listen to His voice.
My Source of Peace in a World of Scoffers
When all about us is changing. When we don’t know who to believe about viruses, vaccines, and the vacations we long to take. When the unrest in our cities threatens tries law enforcement and tries to turn peacekeepers into enemies. The Prince of Peace still reigns. He offers a message of hope and inner peace to share with a hurting world.
2 Peter 3:3-4 says, “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this “coming” he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.’”
The scoffers are alive and well. However, we are also reminded that God’s patience offers opportunities for more people to come to salvation, to learn that the inner peace He brings is not threatened by loud voices and violent acts.
Peace in My Heart
The peace of my God, which “transcends all understanding” guards my heart and mind. It overflows
to those around me. God’s peace lifts my heart and reaches outward to proclaim His truth to all who will listen. My God reigns. He is the “soon and coming King.” He tells me to rejoice because He is very near. I am not to be anxious but to enter His throne room with prayer and supplication, lay my requests at His feet, and go out knowing He is guarding my heart and my mind, as long as they remain in Christ Jesus.
All Photos by Norma Gail Holtman
So thankful for the peace which “transcends all understanding.”
Yes, Diana! Peace is one of our greatest blessings!