Between Maps and Meaning

John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

When Jesus spoke this to the disciples, it was in the context of Him promising the Holy Spirit and preparing them for His departure. I think, in the context of today, we need to be reminded of this.

March has been a whirlwind of craziness. Wars are beginning, economies are worsening because of fears over oil prices, and that is just a couple of the things we’ve seen in the news this month. Every day, conspiracy seems to become more and more of a reality. Our world leaders all seem to be lying, and no one seems to care for the common man anymore. Anyone who does… well, I assume they are lying too. I know people all over the world are hurting—physically, emotionally, and even in their health. There is so much to be afraid of: terrorist threats in America, an energy crisis in Cuba, and the threat of losing life and home throughout the Middle East. It can almost make us forget that we are called to be strong and courageous through Christ.

I almost forgot that God’s Spirit dwells in me. All we must do is remember to call on His Spirit for peace and guidance. Our Savior has left us His peace—the same peace that prayed for us on the cross in the midst of His pain and suffering, the same peace that knew He would be arrested in the garden. We have access to this peace.

I pray that going forward, no matter what the news or my personal life throws at me, I remember that the Spirit of God resides in me. I pray that I remember to walk in that Spirit, which is not a spirit of fear. Let us leave our anxiety in March and head into April filled with courage and strength that only God can give, so that whatever news we hear or whatever befalls our friends and family, we are prepared to respond as our Savior would. The only way we can do that is by being tied to the Spirit as one. Help us, Lord. Guide us, and let the Spirit, which is Your gift, lead us. For you the Spirit that lives in me, I pray directly and ask to know you more intimately
Amen.

April will be filled with a lot more fun. You can expect a small series on Japanese history, as well as some work on the Minor Prophets of the Bible. I feel an urge to dive into these, although that will likely be a project that carries me through the summer. I’m currently watching a very interesting documentary on praying mantises, so something may even come from that. Of course, I will occasionally continue to use God’s Word and this platform to help me through mental and emotional crises. To my few my readers I’m thankful for you, and praying for you all as always.