by Ricky Chelette, Executive Director
The US has experienced historic and unsettling events in the past two weeks. On July 13, there was an attempted and failed assassination of the former president of the United States, Donald J Trump. Though Trump survived with minor injuries, two others were critically injured, and one firefighter, father, and protector of his family was tragically killed.
Despite the attempt on his life just a few days prior, the Republican National Convention proceeded with the former president attending each evening. The Republicans seemed unified and rallied around their nearly assassinated presidential candidate. Even democrats seemed united in their well-wishes and prayers for the former president. For a brief moment, the world seemed to agree. But the well wishes were short-lived.
On Friday, July 19, a routine software update by CrowdStike, a cybersecurity company, caused a global computer outage that affected airports, banks, law enforcement, retailers, 911 centers, medical records, and personal computing worldwide.
On Sunday, July 21, the current US president, Joseph Biden, duly elected as the representative of the Democrat Party’s nominee for the office of president, withdrew from the race for a second term and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, to be the presumptive nominee. Many Democrats quickly endorsed the vice president, but many did not. The division within the party seems palpable.
Anxiety is Rising
Amid the chaos, attacks, and uncertainties, anxiety is rising. People are confused about where to go for sound information and unbiased reporting. How can any of this happen in 2024? What is going to happen next? Is the world safe? Is the US safe? Are our systems protected? Is the world on the brink of World War III?
The truth is that pundits, reporters, political parties, platforms, and governmental leaders have no idea. None can assure peace or stability in a world filled with sinners. They cannot. They are mere participants in the grand scheme of life, in which most have ignored the guidance of our Creator or are in open rebellion against Him. How can chaos not appear to reign?
Where do you turn?
When the world seems to be unraveling, where do you turn? Will your bank account give you security if no stores are open to purchase goods, or no banks are open to provide you money or process your credit purchases? Will your home be safe enough if thieves try to break in or if missiles start flying overhead? The honest answer is no.
When pain, uncertainty, and confusion invade our world, our response is usually to try to medicate the pain. We run to old default habits of coping. Worry, sex, alcohol, and drugs are just a few of our default coping mechanisms. They produce pleasure and numbing, ways we might medicate our discomfort and anxiety. But none of those “medications” ever bring true peace.
Paul understood what a chaotic world was like. As a Christian in a world of heathen Gentiles and non-Jesus-following Jews, Paul and the early Christians lived under the pressures of the world to reject their faith, Christ, and conform to the majority.
In 2 Thes. 2:15, Paul encourages believers to “stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.” In other words, don’t forsake the truth of God amid chaos and difficulties. Paul knew that strong delusions and lies that often sound like truth would undoubtedly be presented, but believers were obligated to discern God’s truth and hold on to God’s Word. Even Jesus warned His disciples, “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.” (Jn 16:33).
Finding Peace
If you are looking for peace, the world is not the place to find it. But it is available to those who trust in Jesus. Living in a world groaning for redemption (Rom 8:22) will always be filled with chaos and confusion, but Jesus has come into our world to offer true peace. Don’t run to your coping mechanism or stay glued to the news, TicToc, and live streams to figure out what to do or think. Instead, heed the ancient words of Paul in Phil. 4:5-8, “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Our world may be in chaos, but God is not. He knows precisely what is taking place and works all things to His desired end. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb 13:8). Remember, “All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men” (Jn 4:3-4).
Run to the light of Christ amid the darkness and confusion. He will never disappoint (Heb. 10:33).