A beautiful, happy scripture in a time of tumult

“Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied”  Acts 9:31.

This is a sweet little stand-alone verse between two sections of the story in Acts.  It sounds like everything is lovely for the people of God, that they are in a good and comfortable situation, growing in numbers as more accept the gospel.

However,  the chapter opens with the aggressive persecution of disciples by Saul.  He pursues them all the way to Damascus, determined to arrest and drag them back to Jerusalem from where they fled.  Saul, however, meets the Lord in the bright shining light just outside of Damascus.  Hearing the gospel from Ananias, Saul is converted and becomes a proponent of the gospel.  Infuriating the Jews, Saul is now the fugitive, running for his life as they intend to kill him.  The brethren had to help him escape the country!

That is when our beautiful, happy scripture appears.  All the churches “had peace and were edified.”  That is said of saints surrounded by persecution.  Many of them uprooted their families and moved great distances in an effort to find safety.  Even still, persecution followed them!  How can it be said they had peace?  They were surrounded by threats from enemies!

Our happy verse is not a description of their situation, circumstance or surroundings.  That was dangerous, chaotic, unsettling and discouraging!  Yet, in that circumstance, God’s people had peace.  They possessed a peace of mind and heart in awful circumstances.  Their peace was an inner sense of calm and confidence, not threatened by circumstances.  They were edified.  That means they were growing and being strengthened in their knowledge, commitment, and discipleship.  They were walking in the fear of God.  They did not fear and they did not obey the enemy with its threat.  They respected God and would do whatever He commanded.  They walked in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.  When you trust your guide, you can walk comfortably and confidently even when you don’t know where you are going or when you will get there.

What about your life?  Are you facing threats and dangers?  Are you discouraged by the behavior of society and its leaders?  Is there violence or the threat of violence in your life?  Is life uncertain and plans interrupted by unexpected tribulation or disease?  It is time to read our beautiful, happy scripture written in a time of trouble and chaos. May we find peace in God while in a violent world of sin.

Let me know if I can help you find peace in God – 212-729-8356.