ANXIETY
«Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid» (John 1 4:27).
At 3:34 AM on February 27, 2010, an earthquake of 8.8 magnitude on the Richter scale shook Chile for more than three minutes. The epicenter was located off the coast in the Chilean sea about 150 km north of the city of Conception, at the depth of 30 km below the Earth’s crust. Despite the violent earthquake, the professionals’ expertise, the horrifying in experience and the general shock, an official statement resonated three hours later country, reassuring most of the coastal residents with these words: «There is no risk of tsunami.» However, with waves of eight meters high, an unavoidable tsunami buried 136 victims with twenty-five others missing. How was it possible that the authorities issued that wrong message with such conviction and certainty?
It is unknown exactly what motivated the authorities to give such a message. We can suppose that communication difficulties between the distinct agencies of the government paired with the desire of calming down the population and of not creating panic attacks among people, or the urge of generating a feeling of control in the middle of reigning chaos could have been some of the reasons that made them communicate that message. Even so, a great number of people sought refuge in high places and, in the middle of the night, left everything they had to protect their life and that of their loved ones.
Likewise, sometimes our life is shaken in various ways: marital breakdowns, unemployment, serious disease or passing of a loved one. In these inevitable situations, there will be people who, in good faith, would unsuccessfully try to calm our anxieties. However, it is possible to reach «a high place,» a safe shelter, and find peace and comfort. God’s Word assures us that, in the midst of pain or trials, we will find protection and rest in Jesus Christ.
Today, we encourage you to search for God at all times especially in difficulties. «Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way» (2 Thess. 3:16). Remember that «the Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth» (Ps. 145:18).
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Adults 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores: Yudith C & Yony Martinez
