Last night at our Midweek Encounter with people from different states and the Philippines, with the help from our local Pastor Steve and Dr. Hinkle from Odyssey in Christ, we were talking about the news and the affect that can have on our peace of mind and our spiritual lives. In sharing our lives with each other we quickly realized the problems we worry about are the same throughout the world. We also realized the peace that comes from God when we meet together and learn with each other as He guides us.

As I was praying this morning, God took me in a deeper dive. Last night we watched on Zoom the video from the Bible Project about the wisdom books including Ecclesiastes and how the “voice of the critic” warns all is meaningless and like vapor or smoke soon dissipates. God showed me my faith is like that vapor that dissipates. I worry things to death. But what if this? But what if that? “My” faith is meaningless. I need His faith. The faith that comes from Him. That brought me up short because I realized He was right.

Last night one of the Bible verses from the New Living Translation (NLT) applies to me in my faith and to the disturbing news saturating all of us every day. I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27. Continuing to verse 1: Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and also in Me.

We will never find peace of mind in this world. How many of us are shaking our heads with the events in the world today? It feels as though the world has collectively lost its’ mind. The world cannot give the gift of peace of mind and heart. Only God can.

When He showed me the futility of my faith generated by me He didn’t leave me stranded. Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and also in Me. What we learned last night was to turn our worries and concerns over to God. Literally lift them up to Him. We can’t solve the problems of the world. He can and He will. That’s the hope I cling to. I trust Him to know the best way for everyone.

In the meantime, on this earth where we need to work, eat, rest, play, live…I will live by the faith He gives me…the only faith I need. I see the problems of this world and they are many and grave. Living by God’s faith helps me see something else too.

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.” Mark 1:14-15. The time has come…the kingdom of God has come near, repent and believe the good news.

Trust God. His kingdom is alive and well and He will solve every problem of mankind in His time and in His wisdom. Keep your eyes on Him as you learn to walk with Him in the faith He gives if you ask.