April 13, 2025 - How to Experience the Peace and Freedom We Crave

The history of human existence is a longing for peace and a struggle for freedom. To think that we can attain peace and freedom apart from God by attaining self-autonomy will not produce the goal of peace or freedom. In ‘Cost of Discipleship,’ Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The demand for absolute liberty brings men to the depths of slavery.” The cry and activity that demand absolute liberty don’t bring peace but conflict within the human heart and those around. God’s offer of a peace that passes human understanding brings freedom and peace within our hearts. However, when the offer is rejected, it leaves a person empty, confused, and angry and affects God. As we will discover, when peace is offered and rejected, it causes God to weep. Ultimately, humanity’s angry rebellion moves God to act so that He allows the ultimate consequences of such folly. We see throughout history the story of human rebellion and the suppression of others. So, what is the answer to where human freedoms are being diminished? So, where is our only hope for true freedom? In discussing impending disaster, Jesus tells the disciples that when they see ‘people are in anguish, perplexity, terror, and apprehension, the believer's response should be different. Jesus, in talking about the ultimate consequences of human rebellion against God and the disasters it creates, should cause a pause in our hearts as believers. Jesus told his disciples that they needed to lift their heads because their redemption was drawing near (cf. Luke 21:28). We are living in a moment where we see much that could dismay our hearts, but as we embrace a divine perspective, may we respond with hope for the future and not despair. May we realize that what is happening to our world has not taken God unaware. Even when we feel powerless in our current situations, we may embrace the hope that God is working out his ultimate plan.   What we think may not be what God intends. We often get the narrative wrong in our lives. In the moment, what we feel may only be fully understood in hindsight. Often, our disappointments that lead to disillusionment can occur because we have the wrong perspective and understanding of what God is doing in our lives at a precise moment.