A Family Physician’s Prescription for Peace

Recently Jay Downey, one of the elders in our church, shared a devotional about anxiety, and how God’s peace is available to us in Christ. Jay's perspective is unique in that he is a family practice doctor who notes that the majority of his patients come to see him because of issues related to stress and anxiety. I thought his “prescription” was especially helpful, and with his permission, wanted to share it with you.

Are you feeling worried or anxious about things happening in the world or in your life? Do you get stressed by events or find yourself losing sleep thinking about the “what if's" of the future? If so, you're in good company. As a physician, I can tell you that the majority of doctor visits are, in fact, related to stress and anxiety. And statistics indicate that the incidence of anxiety, worry, and even depression are increasing in the population as a whole.

Why is this? What does the Bible have to say about this?

Well, actually, the Bible has a lot to say about it. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus speaks directly to the issues of anxiety.

A Christian's Message to the Men Who Beheaded His Brothers

Last Sunday the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) released a video showing the simultaneous beheading of 21 Egyptian men who were kidnapped from Libya. As everybody knows (except, apparently, the U.S. President), the men were murdered because they were Christians. The video released by the terrorists was entitled “A Message Signed With Blood to the Nation of the Cross.”

I wrote about another beheading by the “Religion of Peace” here. This is just the latest in an extremely long line of brutal, indefensible acts of barbarism committed by followers of Islam. (Since the beheadings, ISIS burned 45 people to death in Western Iraq.)

This has always been the way. Those who follow the god of this world hate those who follow the true God.

But we don’t hate them back. At least weren’t not supposed to.

When God Doesn't Answer Our Prayers

Of course He does answer our prayers. As everybody knows, “No” is an answer. So is “Not now.” But if it isn't yes, it feels like He hasn't answered us.

If God says no to your request for a raise at work, or that you might do well on a test, you may feel “Meh.” A little disappointment.

But if the Lord says No (or Wait) when you ask Him to heal a loved one or to open the eyes of your spouse to stop divorce proceedings, well, disappointment doesn't describe it. You feel profound discouragement, maybe even anger. Or betrayal.