- photo by Susan Page A typical day starts with some quiet reflective time with my Lord. After that comes a hearty breakfast while watching some news coverage. Sometimes this is hard because the state of the world can cause your stomach to rebel. There are fires, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, mudslides, and bridges collapsing, the very ground around us is seemingly precarious. There are wars and rumours of wars and killings of the innocent right in the very neighbourhoods where we live.

Upon arriving at work, I discuss insurance coverage with individuals who are going through deep waters. I hear of a pastor who fell from grace. My heart aches for these families. I send my condolences to those in ministry who continue to be given heart-breaking news about their loved ones or who are battling serious issues themselves.

How do we cope with all the sadness and all the pain? We give of ourselves because Christ continually gives to us … His comfort, His peace. We rejoice in the hope that we have in Him and know that better days are ahead … days in eternity where all heartache will cease. In the meantime, we carry on knowing that our confidence rests in the grace that is given moment by moment, just as we need it.

While driving to work one morning, I started singing lyrics that I made up on the fly. I immediately felt lighter, and God’s peace that passes all understanding quieted my mind as I focused on my Saviour. Surely if we concentrate on all the brokenness in our world we will be discouraged. Jesus tells us to take heart, because … “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 ESV).

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. 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” (Phil 4: 4-7 ESV).

Rejoice!

Rejoice, rejoice, all children rejoice
The Lord is on His throne
Rejoice, rejoice, all children rejoice
Do not fear the unknown

God sees your tears, He knows your fears
The world is in His hands
Chaos may reign, but God’s the same
His Word forever stands

Rejoice, rejoice, all children rejoice
The Lord is on His throne
Rejoice, rejoice, all children rejoice
Do not fear the unknown

The news seems grim, there’s so much sin
Yet joy still fills our hearts
Each wound, all pain, all ground that’s gained
Our God, His peace imparts

 Susan Page is friend of Pastor Tim and Susan's. For many years she has written devotionals for the National Prayer Guide of the Associated Gospel Churches of Canada where she serves as their Church Relations Coordinator / Health Benefits Manager.