Fear. It is a daily part of their lives. The war brings threats of airstrikes. The economic situation brings fears over finances. The lack of opportunity brings fear over their future and how to get an education. The earthquake brought on a new fear. “What disaster will happen next?” they commonly ask.
One day I was talking with a friend about how he would have a story to tell his children. “If I don’t pass on before then,” he said jokingly, but the reality of it made me want to cry.
With everything they’ve been through, fear is understandable. It seems like it’s the only possible response. I wish I could remove all their physical dangers and make life ‘normal’ for them again and then they wouldn’t have to live in fear. Yet I’m reminded of Jesus’ words.
John 14:27 NLT “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
Jesus’ peace isn’t dependent upon our surroundings. His peace passeth all understanding and is possible even in the worst of hardships. I haven’t experienced what they have. However, I’ve felt that peace in this unstable environment and long for them to feel it too.