The Benefits of Citizenship: Peace

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Isaiah 26:3

The gingham dog and the calico cat

Side by side on the table sat;

‘Twas half-past twelve, and (what do you think!)

Nor one nor t’ other had slept a wink!

The old Dutch clock and the Chinese plate

Appeared to know as sure as fate

There was going to be a terrible spat.

(I wasn’t there; I simply state

What was told to me by the Chinese plate!)

Eugene Field wrote this famous poem. It is one of my favorites and I have passed it down to my children and granddaughters. I wish there were room to quote the other four verses. The ending is rather sad, because the cat and pup ate each other up. No matter. I still enjoy reading it.

Sometimes it seems as if humanity is eating itself up. The news is depressing as we read about or view the situations in so many countries. I hardly know which one to pray for, so I try to take turns. Right now I’m most concerned with the refugees in Turkey and Jordan. They have fled Syria and now have no homes, no jobs, little food and no hope for peace.

Former British Prime Minister, William Gladstone once said, “We look forward to the time when the power to love will replace the love of power. Then will our world know the blessing of peace.”

Nice thought, but the Bible tells us that this will not happen. There will be no lasting peace until Jesus comes again. Actually, the more unsettled the world, is the closer we are to the second coming of Christ. In Daniel 9:6 the Old Testament prophet tells us that war will continue until the end.

Jesus warned the disciples, You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains Matthew 24:6-8.

Does this scene sound familiar? What can we do, how do we cope?

Citizens of God have the benefit of peace. The world will not give it to us, but God will. He tells us over and over in His Word that we can have peace. Jesus promised it to us before He left. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid John 14:27.

Jesus tried to prepare his disciples for His coming crucifixion and death. He told them that He was leaving this world and going back to His Father. He warned them that they would be scattered. After this bad news, He added, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” John 16:33.

Take heart, dear Christian sister and brother! Our citizenship gives us the benefit of the peace that passes all understanding.

Janice Yandell