Every day, we’re reminded of the uneasiness, conflict and darkness of the world. My phone updates the latest news headlines, political advertisements remind me of the upcoming election season, and often my heart races when I look at my kids and think of the world they face. 

Worry and anxiety plague young people today, starting early as age eight and reaching far into adulthood. We have quite a few options to combat our fears: therapy, healthy relationships and medication. As believers, we also have the gift of communicating with the Creator of the universe. But for many of us, there is a nagging question at the back of our mind each time we’re faced with a new fear, headline or natural disaster: why?

We want to know why these things continue to happen—that’s normal. I don’t know if most of the darkness of the world will be fully explained on this side of heaven. I may not find out why God has allowed different events and circumstances, but I do know that He has a plan for it. 

Maybe you’re feeling this way, too. We wonder why God allows bad things to happen to us or why He doesn’t rescue us from every disaster or hardship. Unable to find answers for this question, many of my childhood friends moved away from faith in Jesus and toward other worldly beliefs that pull them further and further from the love of their Creator. 

Trials in my own life have led to me to a deeper understanding of God’s character. He didn’t give me a textbook answer for my “why” questions, but He has shown His faithfulness and goodness in surrounding me and keeping me from dark paths. 

I don’t believe that God sits idly by as His children feel hurt, scared or abandoned. These circumstances are a part of living in a broken world. But I know that God does not miss an opportunity to use hardship for the good of His people and for His glory. 

Every battle we face is an opportunity to walk alongside another person facing similar hardship. Every heartbreak gives us empathy to sit with another. God can and will use us to comfort each other, and in doing so, reveals Himself in a physical, walking-alongside way.

In John, Jesus promises His disciples the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit teaches us, reminds us of Jesus’s words, gives us power to speak and heal and brings us comfort and peace. Peace of the world is merely the absence of conflict. Worldly peace says we’re good as long as life is good. But the peace of the Lord, made possible through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, assures us that God is present no matter the circumstance. The Lord knew that we’d face darkness in our time on Earth. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can face the uneasiness of the world without fear, knowing that the power of God resides within us.

Dig Deeper:

Check out Philippians 4:6-7 for more information about how God can bring about peace in our lives. If you don’t already have someone you can talk to, consider reaching out to a pastor, corps officer, or counselor. Even if you are feeling great, its good to have a base level of support for times when life is hard. 

• June 1: John 14:1
• June 2: John 14:2
• June 3: John 14:3
• June 4: John 14:4
• June 5: John 14:5
• June 6: John 14:6
• June 7: John 14:7
• June 8: John 14:8
• June 9: John 14:9
• June 10: John 14:10
• June 11: John 14:11
• June 12: John 14:12
• June 13: John 14:13
• June 14: John 14:14
• June 15: John 14:15
• June 16: John 14:16
• June 17: John 14:17
• June 18: John 14:18
• June 19: John 14:19
• June 20: John 14:20
• June 21: John 14:21
• June 22: John 14:22
• June 23: John 14:23
• June 24: John 14:24
• June 25: John 14:25
• June 26: John 14:26
• June 27: John 14:27
• June 28: John 14:28
• June 29: John 14:29
• June 30: John 14:30-31

Prayer

Lord, as we face a world filled with hurt, give us Your peace. Assure us of Your care, provision, and love. Fill us with Your Spirit, and hold us close in times of trouble. Amen. 

Inhale: Your Spirit gives peace. Exhale: I can trust You.

Flower Illustration by Lan Truong & Verse Illustration by Débora Islas