We all have problems occasionally. Lately, it may seem that we are having problems all the time. People are having trouble obtaining the basics: adequate food, clothing, medical care, housing, a good education, and transportation.
We live in troubled times. It is easy to become anxious about the future and discouraged with the present. We long for rest from our burdens and for peace.
Jesus said:
“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)
“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.” (John 14:27 ESV)
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV)
To be clear, Jesus did not say He was bringing peace to the world we are living in now. (Matthew 10:34, Matthew 24:6-8, Luke 12:51-56) However, He offers us a way to find inner peace and rest from our struggles.
Know this also, at the end the present heaven and earth - with all our troubles – will pass away (2Peter 3:10), and God will create a new heaven and earth. Jesus revealed to the Apostle John what it will be like:
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4 ESV) [1]
In God’s glorious new universe, all who believe in Jesus – the Prince of Peace – will enjoy perfect peace and rest forever. Until then, please take comfort from the words of this old hymn:
Near to the Heart of God
By Cleland B. McAfee
There
is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.
o Refrain:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God.
There
is a place of comfort sweet,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where we our Savior meet,
Near to the heart of God.
o Refrain:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God.
There
is a place of full release,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where all is joy and peace,
Near to the heart of God.
o Refrain:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God. [2]
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