There are times when my phone pings me, I’m afraid to check the message. I’m afraid of a bad news. I have to muster up courage, take a deep breath, and then read the message.

I do so because it is likely to put me in a mental turmoil for some period of time. It might be about a sick member I’ve been praying for. It might be about a friend who’s been thinking about moving away. It might have to do with dealing with a parent of a student I teach…

We all had moments like that when we had to brace ourselves for a bad news. But at those moments, where does our mind go? Does it only focus on the outcome of the event or does it rest in God who is in control of all things?

I believe true peace is not had in the absence of trouble but in the presence of God in the midst of trouble. 

A person who is truly at peace does not wait until the outcome of the event and the rectifying, but while waiting for the outcome, knowing and trusting that God is ultimately in charge.

“He (the righteous) is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid…” Ps. 112:5-6

The righteous, that’s you and me, believes God works all things for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Therefore, even a seemingly “bad” news will ultimately work toward our good.

Don’t wait till the dust has settled and the remedy presented to have peace. Trust in God. Whatever we worry about will soon be a non-issue. We will die and those around us will, too. Only God and His will will endure forever.

PH