The Lovey Letters: Peace in the Midst of Distress

Dearest Loveys,

Our faith is strengthened and built up when we reflect upon the Lord, His character, and His life-changing Word—and don’t we need it! Someone commented that “2020” will become synonymous with “crazy.” I agree! Our world is seriously “2020” right now! Never could we have predicted the events that have unfolded in these last months—from the lockdowns to the riots and all the in-between. If we aren’t immersing ourselves in the Word of God, we will flounder in the midst of these unfamiliar, bewildering, and discouraging times.

My faith has been so bolstered of late, remembering the Lord has prepared us in His Word for difficult seasons, so that when they come upon us, we will not be grieved or shaken by them. Without a doubt, our world is changing in terribly distressing ways, yet the Lord has given us all we need to stand firm. I love how Jesus reminded His disciples of this very principle in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

In John 16:33 we see that Jesus essentially reminds His disciples, “I told you ahead of time about the suffering and trials that are coming, so you will have peace. Yet, don’t miss this: I don’t want you to take comfort in knowing the details. I want your heart to be at peace because you know Me.” Loveys, God has revealed His intentions in His Word, so that we would take comfort in Him, while the world fights and devours itself. He didn’t tell us His plans ahead of time so we would just grit it out until it’s over, rage against the system, or seek out worldly wisdom to fix things. Rather, He gives us an understanding about the future, so we’ll know we need to run to Him for strength, for comfort, and for wisdom.

In John 16:33 Jesus tells us straight out that we’re going to have tribulation in this world. For the most part, most of us have lived pretty easy, tribulation free lives, and though we long to go back to “normal,” it doesn’t appear that’s what God intends for mankind right now. Since the day that Jesus spoke these very words to His disciples, the truths of John 16:33 have been laid out for us to know and take to heart. While we are in the world, we will have affliction, distress, and trouble. Tribulation in the world is “normal.” It may get bad. It may get worse. We may suffer great persecution, but Jesus tells us to take courage. Why? Because He has overcome the world. No matter how bad things get or how much the fabric of our society disintegrates, the message from God is still the same. In Me you can have peace. Take courage; I have overcome the world. The world doesn’t win. Corruption doesn’t win. Hatred doesn’t win. Violence doesn’t win. Jesus wins. In fact, He has already won. We are fighting a known battle. The Lord is the victor. Take courage, Loveys!

In light of those truths, I’ve also been thinking on Romans 8:18 and finding much comfort there. In Romans 8:18, we have our “marching orders” for the battle, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” We need to reflect on, think about, and consider that we are only experiencing momentary, light afflictions. Yet, the trouble swirling around us has an intended purpose—to produce an eternal weight of glory in us as we put our hope and trust in the Lord. There’s the key. Considering our current distresses as momentary can’t be our endpoint. They are the means to getting us to find our comfort in the Lord and lean into Him, then we gain blessings in eternity.

Loveys, the world has always been a terrible, bad, and wicked place, and though America has enjoyed much peace and ease, it doesn’t appear that it will “go back” to the place it was before the lockdown. Normal is gone. What we knew before is gone. Yet, God is not thwarted in His plans nor is He surprised. Christians are still to make “progress and have joy in their faith” in the Lord (Philippians 1:25). We are to set our minds on the things above (Colossians 3:1-3), live with our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-3), and walk by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). We are to "rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks for this is God’s will for us (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)” even while experiencing uncertainty, trouble, or persecution.

If ever there was the opportunity in recent history for Christians to be distinct and lights in the world, it is now. We are living in exciting times for believers! What a privilege if we are counted worthy to “suffer for His name (Acts 5:41; 2 Thessalonians 1:5).” Whether in suffering or merely uncomfortable, our faith can glorify the Lord. Paul reminded the Philippians, "Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life (Philippians 2:14-16).” It’s amazing that the Philippians, who were also living in distressing times, were told that they would show themselves to be followers of Christ, when they didn’t complain or grumble. I think it’s often fear that leads us to our grumbling and griping and anxious complaining, but when we put our trust in the Lord, then we can willingly submit to what He gives. When our faith shines in the midst of difficulty, God is put on display.

I don’t think any of us are super excited about the upheaval in our world, which can tempt us to be grumbly, fearful, or angry. Yet, it’s important that we react to the Lord rightly, knowing every event is under His control and sovereign will. We can respond like Eli did when he was told of God’s judgment for him and his sons. He said, “It is the Lord. Let Him do what seems good to Him (1 Samuel 3:18).” What a lovely example of submission and acceptance of God’s good and perfect plan, even though the Lord’s will included judgment and death for him and his sons, and trouble for Israel. We can be comforted with Jesus’ promise that “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).” The promise of His constant presence should so embolden our faith and give us such contentment in our circumstances that "we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me (Hebrews 13:6)?”

The events unfolding in our world, and particularly in the US, are too bizarre to be anything but from the Lord. The increasing folly and wickedness we see comes from the wholesale rejection of God. It is just of God to let us experience the consequences of such rebellion and sin. Yet, for believers, the Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me that God hasn’t allowed or ordained for me or my country? All is well and I will trust in Him. Dear ones, may our faith be “toughened up.” May we see that God has given and allowed these times in His sovereign and very good, righteous wisdom. May we live increasingly godly lives, keeping our eyes fastened upon Him. Oh loveys, may you have peace and courage! The Lord has overcome the world!