Eternal hope and peace

With the recent events of violence toward one of our presidential candidates in the United States, as believers, we are compelled to obey Paul’s words in I Timothy 2:1-4,

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Though we live in uncertain times—times that cause many to lose hope and be filled with fear, people of faith can have a confidence and a hope that transcends uncertain circumstances. God guided the Apostle Paul to write these comforting words 2000 years ago to a group of people in the city of Philippi as they were facing anxious times:

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.—Philippians 4:6-7

The year was 1873. A successful businessman in deep anguish boarded a ship leaving the United States to join his wife in England. On the way across the Atlantic, the captain announced that they were now passing the place where the steamliner Ville du Havre had wrecked and sunk. For Horatio Spafford, this was passing through the valley of the shadow of death. He sat down in his cabin on the high seas, near the place where his children perished when that ship sank, and wrote these powerful words:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.

You do not pen words like this on some hotel stationary as he did that day apart from the sustaining peace of God that He graciously gives to His children as they surrender their circumstances to Him. I pray that God never asks me to experience the tragedy that Horatio Spafford went through. However this man’s life is but one of thousands of testimonials of the peace of God that defies human reason that keeps the hearts and minds of believers at rest in Christ Jesus as they humbly trust Him with their uncertain and sorrowful circumstances.

Though Satan should buffet

Though trials should come

Let this blessed assurance control

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate

And has shed His on blood for my soul

And Lord haste the day when my faith shall be sight

The clouds be rolled back as the scroll

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend

Even so it is well with my soul.

It is well (it is well) with my soul (with my soul)

It is well, it is well with my soul.

May the God of peace keep us all praying for our country and trusting the One who has given His life in our place so that we can have eternal hope—forgiveness of sin and eternal life with Him forever!

Dr. David Ley is the President of Alaska Bible College and Pastor of Family Care, ChangePoint Mat-Su.