Does the world feel angrier to you than it once did?
People have always been angry at one another ever since there have been people. For centuries, we have never lacked things to get mad about. But in our current time, it certainly seems that anger has escalated to a new level.
We seem to be increasingly divided when it comes to almost everything. And what’s worse, it seems that our anger has boiled over into a shocking number of violent acts.
Why might that be? There are probably any number of reasons. Regardless of why it is, the reality is that we live in a red hot environment. We all desire to have peace in our angry world.
That might seem like good news for the Christian. We would like to think that, if anyone would have peace in an angry world, surely it’s someone who has the hope of Jesus Christ. But it’s not quite that simple, is it?
Even though we know we should have peace, we can’t help but feel anxious, worried, and yes, even angry. As Christians, we still need to learn how to have peace in an angry world.
It starts with remembering just three, simple things:
Have Peace in an Angry World by Remembering Who God Is
You can use a lot of words to describe who God is. He is loving, wise, and sustaining. He is all-knowing, ever-present, and all-powerful. The list goes on and on of His goodness!
But one of the words that helps us live at peace is the word “sovereign.” When we call God “sovereign,” that means God exercises His power over His creation.
The weather? The orchestration of world events? The flight patterns of birds? Yes, and more. Job sums up this truth well:
“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” - Job 42:2
That might be scary to think there is a God who is directing all things to His ultimate ends. But, it’s only terrifying when it’s not blended with the truth of Who our loving, faithful, good God is.
If God was isolated from us, if He was uncaring and unmoved, if He was dispassionate and unconcerned about His people – then yes, we have every reason to be terrified. But that’s not the truth of Who God is.
We have seen what God has done for us. He sent His Son to die in our place. He has rescued us and loves us with the full extent of His love. And now, He promises us that His sovereignty is working for the good of those who love Him.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28
No matter what else is happening in the world, we can live in peace because we know God loves us, and we know He is in control.
Related Post: 7 Bible Verses for When You Feel Alone
Have Peace in an Angry World by Remembering Who You Are
One of the reasons people tend to get angry is because something happens that challenges their identity. They lose a job, someone gets sick, or something important to them is in jeopardy.
That deep sense of fear and insecurity often comes out as anger. It doesn’t just happen to non-Christians. This happens to people of faith as well. Therefore, one of the ways we can live at peace is by remembering who God has made us to be:
“See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children—and we are!” - 1 John 3:1
In Christ, we have been made into new people. We are new creations! God has brought us into his family and adopted us as his children. No matter what else we call ourselves - doctor, teacher, mom, grandpa, or whatever else - we are, at our core, sons and daughters of God.
This helps us live in peace, even in an angry world. We don’t have to feel threatened when either our own lives or the world around us changes. We can deal with those changes, and even fight against them if we need to. But, now we can handle things from a place of security and peace because we know who we are.
Even if everything else changes, we will always be children of God.
Related Post: You Are Valuable to God
Have Peace in an Angry World by Remembering Who Everyone Else Is
CS Lewis once wrote: “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilization—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.”
It’s easy to forget that, isn’t it?
When we encounter someone we don’t agree with, we can quickly make the shift to thinking of that person as an enemy. Or a target. Or a potential opinion to change. That’s when the anger starts. That other person has now become a shell of a human to us. Their humanity can be diminished in our eyes.
To have peace in conflict, we must always remember that this person is created in the image of God. Every person we encounter is someone God loves and Jesus died for.
This fact, too, helps us live in peace in an angry world because it helps us see those around us as real people, created in God’s image just as we are. It’s harder to be angry at someone when you view them like this.
Jesus told us that in this world, we will have trouble, and He was exactly right (John 13:33). Even so, He also told us that He has given us His peace (John 14:27). Living in that peace, even in an angry world, begins with remembering who God is, who He has made us to be, and who the people are around us.
Which of these keys do you need to remember most today?
Prayers for Peace in the World
In our chaotic and angry world, it seems that everyone is searching for a prayer for peace. Thankfully, Jesus gave us two of the best prayers to help calm the storms we face.
First, when the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, He taught them what is now known as The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. - Matthew 6:9-13
Most of us are probably familiar with this prayer, but when was the last time we prayed it out loud on behalf of our world? Make this prayer your screensaver on your phone, write it on your mirror, or remember to pray it at bedtime each day.
Another Christian prayer for peace in the world comes from Matthew 5, where Jesus tells us how to create peace in the world. It reads:
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. - Matthew 5:43-48
Curious to learn more on how to bring peace to the world by loving your enemies? Read our post: How to Love Your Enemies: An Invitation to Be Like Jesus
God’s Peace is Permanent and Secure
One of the most beautiful things about Jesus is that He offers us peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). The author of this verse in scripture, the Apostle Paul, was writing this letter to the Church in Philippi while in prison.
What good news: we can have peace in any circumstance, knowing that Jesus is always with us. As we follow in Jesus’ way and learn to “be the peace you wish to see in the world,” we can take heart knowing that Jesus is the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Want to learn more about how to have peace in any circumstance? Read our blog: 21 Bible Verses for When You Feel Anxious or Worried
Conclusion
Amidst wars, rumors of wars, famine, anger, division, and fear, God is a good God who desires peace in the world. He not only shares His peace with us, He desires to bring peace in the world through us as followers of Christ. We never have to be afraid.
It is a privilege to pray for our enemies, pray for the Kingdom of Heaven to come, and believe the best for our nation, our country, and our world.
Related Post: 5 Truths About Loving Difficult People
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