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At What Time I Am Afraid I Will Trust In Thee! – Psalms 56:3

Now is the time for Christians to practice what we preach.
As the world spirals towards the final showdown between
Good vs. Evil, fear and despair will rule the day.
But not if you’re really a Christian.

Jesus is your only hope for peace,
and it’s free for the taking!

Let God’s Peace Rule In Your Hearts

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Sermon notes:

In 2 Thessalonians 2:2, the Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonian believers, warning them of events that would occur just before the Lord’s return. His intention was to prepare people so that significant global events would not catch them off guard or send them into a state of panic.

As a result, Paul instructed them, “That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand” (2 Thessalonians 2:2).

Notice that Paul warned the Thessalonian believers not to be “soon shaken.” The word “soon” comes from the Greek word tachus, which means “quickly, suddenly, or hastily.” The term “shaken” comes from the Greek word saleuo, which means to shake, waver, or be moved. The Greek tense indicates events so spectacular that they may cause shock or anxiety—strongly suggesting catastrophic events or a series of devastating occurrences that will impact the entire planet.

By using the phrase “soon shaken,” Paul was advising his readers (and us!) to resist being easily disturbed by the events that will occur shortly before Jesus’ return. He especially emphasized that we should not be “soon shaken in mind.” The Greek word for “mind” is nous, which encompasses the intellect, will, emotions, and the ability to think, reason, and decide.

Whoever or whatever controls a person’s thinking ultimately has the power to direct the course of that person’s life. If someone allows panic or fear to dominate their thoughts, they are giving fear control over their life. Because Paul wanted his readers to be at peace amid tumultuous circumstances, he advised them not to let fear infiltrate their minds, will, or emotions.
Paul also cautioned against being upset or troubled by the events of the last days. The word “troubled” comes from the Greek word throeo, which refers to an inner fear caused by horrific events. The shock from these nerve-racking experiences can be so intense that a person becomes consumed with worry, anxiety, or terror.

Paul was convinced that these events would not be isolated incidents; he used a Greek tense that denotes an ongoing state of worry and inner distress triggered by repeated external events. It’s as if he foresaw these stunning, debilitating, and nerve-wracking events occurring in rapid succession. One scholar interprets the term “troubled” as describing someone who is jumpy or uneasy.

These words are so densely packed with meaning that they are nearly impossible to fully translate.

Paul strongly encourages us not to be influenced or swayed by what we see or hear. He urges us to take back control of our minds and refuse to be traumatized by what’s happening around us. We must not let fear dominate our lives. Instead of allowing these things to “get to us” and rob us of joy and victory, we must be deeply grounded in our faith in God’s promises.
If you look around today, you can see that Paul’s prophecy regarding the final days is being fulfilled. Given the many challenges our world is facing, we must stand against fear and remain faithful. To maintain our faith, we must keep our minds focused on God’s Word, which brings peace.

According to Colossians 3:15, “Let God’s peace rule in your hearts.” Verse 16 continues, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” When God’s Word dwells richly within us, it produces supernatural peace that governs our hearts.

The word “rule” in this verse comes from the Greek word brabeuo, referring to an umpire who makes all the decisions and calls the shots. When God’s Word is deeply rooted in your heart, the peace of God oversees all major decisions and emotions—it becomes the umpire of your inner life. You’ll be led by God’s peace, not by the daily ups and downs or by what you see or hear in the news.

However, to receive these benefits from God’s Word, you must allow it to live fully within you. The word “richly” comes from the Greek word plousios, meaning lavishly. It implies giving God’s Word a grand welcome—rolling out the red carpet, so to speak. When you honor God’s Word in your heart, mind, and emotions, it releases its power to bring stability and peace, even in the most trying circumstances.

There is no doubt we are living in the final days. We will witness experiences unlike any previous generation.
If you want to keep your heart free from fear and live in constant peace, you must firmly commit to letting God’s Word reign in your heart. It will shield your mind and keep fear from overtaking your emotions. God’s Word must be the foundation of your life in these final days.

When you analyze the rich meanings in the Greek, 2 Thessalonians 2:2 reads:

“Many things will be happening right before His return—events so dramatic they will cause your head to spin. Many will feel panicked and unnerved. These events will push people to the emotional brink. Everyone’s nerves will be on edge, leaving many feeling insecure. Because these events occur in the last days, they will unfold one after another.

So, don’t be shaken or moved by anything you see or hear. Be prepared and refuse to be traumatized by what’s happening. Don’t give in to the fear of the times or let dread take over your thoughts and emotions. Above all, don’t let the events or the feelings that accompany them run your life.”

(Keep fighting the good fight of faith for the cause of Christ.)