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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

 

Dear Rev. Graham: My heart breaks to watch the horrors of what is happening in Israel and the Arab states. I hear both sides cry for peace, but they’ve had little. Would they even know how to recognize peace? – S.P.

 

Dear S.P.: Peace carries with it the idea of unity, completeness, rest, ease and security. In the Old Testament, the word was shalom. The Jewish people greet others with shalom. Often, the Arab people use the word salam.

For centuries these people have known little peace. The Prophet Isaiah reminded God’s people that God “will keep [them] in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV). How can this happen? By looking to the Prince of Peace, the Lord Himself.

Christians recognize that life is a spiritual battle. We know that while we are faced with troubles all around, our spirits don’t have to be troubled, for God is in control. Christians know who holds the future; for God holds the key to the future. We do not tremble at the rock; for we know who made the rock.

God will give us the strength to believe and trust in Him, no one else; not political leaders, not even pastors and teachers, but Christ alone.

When we yield to worry, we deny our God the right to lead us in confidence and peace. Only the Holy Spirit can give us peace in the midst of the storms of restlessness and despair. We should not grieve our Guide by indulging in worry or paying undue attention to self, or hoping in others we believe can fix what is wrong.

How do we begin yielding to worry? We must learn to trust Him each day – each moment; entrusting into God’s hands our souls, and let our lips be filled with prayer and praise.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)