With all the problems in our country and around the world, many people lack any sense of peace and stability.  And it’s all too easy to point the finger at some group or individual who we believe is to blame. Often, we blame one political party or the other. We think a different political leader or a different political philosophy is the answer. And, there is always someone willing to tell us what we want to hear. But are peace and stability even possible in turbulent times? And if so, does the answer lie in the political realm?

Today’s Readings:

Isaiah 30-32
Psalm 108.7-13
Proverbs 25.23-24
2 Corinthians 11.16-33

How Can We Have Peace & Stability in Turbulent Times?

Isaiah 30-32:

Tell Us What We Want to Hear

It’s hard to listen to the news today without thinking at least some of our politicians will say almost anything to get elected. They seem to believe they must tell their supporters what they want to hear rather than the truth. Sadly, this has proven true more than once.

In Isaiah’s time, the people turned to false prophets who, like many today, merely told them what they wanted to hear, despite what was true or what God had already declared.

God warned them that all their false prophets, all the strong nations they relied on, and all the wisdom of man would ultimately be brought to nothing. Yet, they persisted in seeking out and listening to those who would tickle their ears instead of listening to Isaiah and the other prophets God had sent to warn them. Chapter 30.9-13:

Children who will not hear the law of the LORD;
10 Who say to the seers, “Do not see,”
And to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us right things;
Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits.
11 Get out of the way,
Turn aside from the path,
Cause the Holy One of Israel
To cease from before us.”

12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel.

“ Because you despise this word,
And trust in oppression and perversity,
And rely on them,
13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you
Like a breach ready to fall,
A bulge in a high wall,
Whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant.

Jeremiah warned of much the same thing:

They have healed the wound of my people lightly,
    saying, ‘Peace, peace,’
    when there is no peace (Jere. 6.14).

Their leaders told them they could have peace and that God wouldn’t judge them for their sin and idolatry.

Solomon said there is nothing new under the sun. Of course, he was right. We, too, tend to listen to those things we want to hear and sometimes refuse to hear and believe the things God says are true. What are some of the truths we have rejected as a nation?

Things We Refuse to Hear as a Nation:

• That rebellion and disrespect are wrong (1 Sam. 15.23; Rom. 13.1-7). Consequently, we disrespect police officers and other authority figures. Our children, in turn, disrespect us, their teachers, and anyone else who tries to tell them what to do. And many of our cities are filled with anger and violence.
• That marriage is to be between one man and one woman for a lifetime (Matt. 19.4-6). Consequently, the rate of divorce and couples living together without marriage has grown exponentially across all levels of society without any shame. And now so-called gay marriage has become the law of the land.
• That sex is holy and reserved for the marriage bed (Heb. 13.4; Rom. 1.24-32). Consequently, sex outside of marriage in all of its forms is rampant: adultery, fornication, rape, incest, molestation, homosexuality, pornography, and every kind of perversion
• That life is precious and God is the giver and taker (Acts 17.24-25; Ps. 139.13-16). Consequently, the killing of an unborn baby is now called a woman’s right, euthanasia has been openly debated and practiced, and murder is rampant in many of our cities. Violence, looting, and mayhem without any regard for human life and damage to the property and livelihood of others have been justified because of anger, hate, and political ideology.
• That work is God-ordained and the way God provides for His people on a day-to-day basis (2 Thess. 3.10; 1 Tim. 5.8). Consequently, we have husbands and fathers who find every excuse possible not to work and provide for their families, people who know how to “work the system” by going from agency to agency, organization to organization, even church to church getting every handout they can, and others who live much of their lives dependent on the government. (Bear in mind, that other passages command God’s people to care for the genuinely needy and unable to work.)

So what is the answer? Can we really have peace and stability in these turbulent times?

Returning & Rest

If we continue going our own way and turning our backs on God and His commands, things will get worse no matter what our false prophets say. That was true in Isaiah’s time and it’s true today. But the answer is the same, as well, to return to God. That means obeying His Word and depending on Him.

In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength … (30.15).

That may seem almost impossible when we look at the political and moral landscape in our nation (or wherever you live).

But 2 Chronicles 7.13-14 says:

13 When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

So, before we point our fingers at anyone else, we need to look a little closer to home. Are we looking to God for His answers, praying faithfully, living out what we say we believe, and humbly trusting in God’s sovereignty?

We aren’t to look to man, not even those on our side of the political aisle, for the ultimate answers. We can’t rely on a better economy, a stronger military, or rely on the right election outcome or Supreme Court appointments. While those things are worth working for, they are temporary solutions, at best. It’s in returning and rest, quietness and confidence in Him that we will find peace and stability whether our nation as a whole turns around or not.

Only as we learn to rely on God alone will we have the peace we ultimately want.

Today’s Other Readings:

Psalm 108.7-13:

The Help of Man Is Useless!

Verses 12-13 echo Isaiah’s warning:

Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.

Proverbs 25.23-24:

A Contentious Woman

It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Ladies, our husbands didn’t say it; God did!

2 Corinthians 11.1-33:

Godly Jealousy & False Teachers

In verses 2-3, Paul was writing to his children in the faith:

2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Paul was concerned about the spiritual growth and well-being of those he had led to Christ and those in his sphere of influence. But it’s not just Paul who should have “godly jealousy” for those who are younger in the faith.

The Great Commission says:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. (Matt. 28.19-20)

Jesus commanded us to not just lead others to Christ but to teach them all that He has commanded. We are responsible to disciple and encourage others in their faith so they can do the same. What might that look like?

Older than Someone

Paul told Timothy:

¹ You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also (2 Tim. 2.1-2).

Titus 2 instructs us as women:

³ the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— ⁴ that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, ⁵ to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

This isn’t just older in years, it might also be older in the Lord. And most of us are older in the Lord than someone. What are you and I doing to encourage, mentor, or disciple someone else?

We could do that by going through a book of the Bible together or reading a good theologically sound book and talking about it over coffee. Some suggestions:

Go through the Gospel of John with a new believer or someone who may just be considering the claims of Christ.

Study the books of Ephesians or Colossians with anyone wanting to grow in the faith. They are packed with truths about the gospel and practical truths for the Christian life.

I frequently have my disciples and counselees read good books that can help them grow. I’ll list some that I use at the bottom of this post.

And if you know someone who has a particular need or struggle, leave me a comment and I’ll be happy to recommend something specific on that topic.

Share Your Thoughts on Peace:

Do you consistently enjoy God’s peace in these troubled times? If, so what is the source of your peace? Where do you go when you struggle to find peace?

Coming Up:

In the coming days, we will look at the 5 reasons God allows thorns in our lives and discuss the all-important question, “Is your faith genuine?”

I hope you’ll sign up so you don’t miss any of them. You might also like to check out our YouTube channel.

If this post spoke to you, I would love it if you would share it on your favorite social media platform.

And if you don’t already have a copy, you might want to purchase a copy of my eBook, 10 Benefits of Keeping a Spiritual Journal. It’s available on Kindle or in paperback (the paperback has 31 days of blank journaling pages with prompts to help you get started).

Blessings as you grow in Christ,
Donna ♥

Possible Resources for Discipling Others:

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney

Personal Note: This book has impacted my devotional life as much or more than any book I’ve ever read besides the Bible itself. I have read it numerous times and continue to go back and reread chapters and sections from time to time. D.R.

Drawn from a rich heritage, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life will guide you through a carefully selected array of disciplines. By illustrating why the disciplines are important, showing how each one will help you grow in godliness, and offering practical suggestions for cultivating them, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life will provide you with a refreshing opportunity to become more like Christ and grow in character and maturity. Now updated and revised to equip a new generation of readers, this anniversary edition features in-depth discussions on each of the key disciplines.

Transforming Grace: Living Confidently in God’s Unfailing Love by Jerry Bridges

Personal Note: My husband would tell you that this book greatly influenced him in his relationship with God. After he read it the first time, he immediately started it over again so he could glean even more from Jerry Bridges powerful writing. D.R.

The freedom in falling short of God’s standard relies on His gift of grace. Unfortunately, too many of us forget the free offer. We spend our lives basing our relationship with God on our performance rather than on Him. We see our identity as never being worthy of His love.

Isn’t it time to stop trying to measure up and begin accepting the transforming power of God’s grace? The product of more than 10 years of Bible study, Navigator author Jerry Bridges’ Transforming Grace is a fountainhead of inspiration and renewal that will show you just how inexhaustible and generous God’s grace really is.

The Gospel for Real Life: Turn to the Liberating Power of the Cross…Every Day (Now Includes Study Guide) by Jerry Bridges

The gospel provides for our eternal salvation, but how does it benefit us day to day? Find out from Navigator author Jerry Bridges how the gospel transforms you daily into Christlikeness. Learn more about the character of God and the character of Jesus as you explore this book on your own or with a discipleship partner. Includes study guide with discussion questions.

On Parenting

Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul Tripp

One area where many lack peace is in their child-raising.

In the midst of folding laundry, coordinating carpool schedules, and breaking up fights, many parents get lost. Feeling pressure to do everything “right” and raise up “good” children, it’s easy to lose sight of our ultimate purpose as parents in the quest for practical tips and guaranteed formulas.

In this life-giving book, Paul Tripp offers parents much more than a to-do list. Instead, he presents us with a big-picture view of God’s plan for us as parents. Outlining fourteen foundational principles centered on the gospel, he shows that we need more than the latest parenting strategy or list of techniques. Rather, we need the rescuing grace of God—grace that has the power to shape how we view everything we do as parents.

Freed from the burden of trying to manufacture life-change in our children’s hearts, we can embrace a grand perspective of parenting overflowing with vision, purpose, joy, and peace.

On Marriage

The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God by Timothy Keller

Renowned pastor of New York’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church and author of the forthcoming Every Good Endeavor, Timothy Keller with his wife of 36 years, delivers The Meaning of Marriage, an extraordinarily insightful look at the keys to happiness in marriage that will inspire Christians, skeptics, singles, long-time married couples, and those about to be engaged.
Modern culture would make you believe that everyone has a soul-mate; that romance is the most important part of a successful marriage; that your spouse is there to help you realize your potential; that marriage does not mean forever, but merely for now; that starting over after a divorce is the best solution to seemingly intractable marriage issues. All those modern-day assumptions are, in a word, wrong.

Using the Bible as his guide, coupled with insightful commentary from his wife of thirty-six years, Kathy, Timothy Keller shows that God created marriage to bring us closer to him and to bring us more joy in our lives. It is a glorious relationship that is also the most misunderstood and mysterious. With a clear-eyed understanding of the Bible, and meaningful instruction on how to have a successful marriage, The Meaning of Marriage is essential reading for anyone who wants to know God and love more deeply in this life.

Strengthening Your Marriage by Wayne Mack

For better or for worse? Whichever term describes your marriage, there are ways to make it (even) better. That’s because God has designed marriage to be a relationship of deep unity and strength. Despite the challenges that couples face today, marital harmony need not be considered an impossible ideal.

Wayne A. Mack recognizes the challenges before us and shows us how to meet those challenges with growing success. In this book, he has gathered a wealth of biblical insight and practical information on marital roles, communication, finances, sex, child rearing, and family worship. Both as a counseling aid and as a guide for husbands and wives to study together, this book offers true hope and help where couples need it most.

The Excellent Wife: A Biblical Perspective by Martha Peace

Personal Note: This is my go-to resource for counseling wives. D.R.

The Excellent Wife is an absolute must for women today. This book is a Scripturally based, systematic and practical work for today’s women. Within its pages is a detailed portrait of a godly wife. Not only is the standard high and godly, but Martha demonstrates that by God’s grace, it is attainable…”

The book is based on Proverbs 31:10: An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.” Thousands of women have already discovered the worth of this volume and testify to lives and marriages changed because of a commitment to the principles presented here. If this is a commitment you have made, or want to make, The Excellent Wife answers the difficult questions facing you today.

The Complete Husband by Lou Priolo

Being a consistently biblical husband is not for the faint of heart! God has given husbands huge responsibilities to their wives, but the good news is that God also gives husbands the grace and resources to obey his commands. In The Complete Husband, experienced biblical counselor Lou Priolo delves deep into the skills, goals, and attitudes a God-honoring husband must develop, giving practical advice throughout. If you’ve ever wondered how to best protect, please, and lead your wife, how to communicate with her, how to disagree with her—even how to talk to her! You will find comprehensive guidance here. Yes, being a biblical husband is not for the faint of heart but those who boldly follow God’s Word will reap great and lasting benefits in their marriages.

Note about this post:

I began blogging through the Bible in 2012 and have done so every year since then. These posts are the product of many edits and additions throughout those years. Some days I make major changes, other days fewer. 

A while ago, I read Jen Wilkin’s book None Like Him about the attributes of God. One is His incomprehensibility. In it, she says, “God is incomprehensible. This does not mean that he is unknowable, but that he is unable to be fully known.”

I have found that to be true each year as I’ve gone back through the Bible. Sometimes I find myself feeling as if a passage just appeared there for the first time. I’m reminded that no matter how many times we read through the Bible, we have only scratched the surface. I hope you feel the same.

Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways,
And how small a whisper we hear of Him!
But the thunder of His power who can understand?” (Job 26.14)

I sometimes LINKUP with these blogs.