SA51 - Find Peace During a Crisis

Once upon a time, there was a great silent storm that swept across the entire world. They called this storm COVID-19, and it brought with it fear, uncertainty, and sorrow. It was a weird sort of thing because unlike other storms where you could forecast it's arrival, then make the proper preparations, this storm you only heard about after it had taken its victim in death. This alarmed people quite considerably and as you might imagine, made most afraid to go outside, as everyone had to stay in their homes to stay safe from this silent killer. 

During this silent storm, it felt as if everyone’s personal world fell into a deep sleep and remained unconscious for a long time. Meanwhile, the actual physical world outside their windows slowly changed. Streets became empty, and the once-bustling cities, malls and highways stood quiet. Only people deemed essential workers were allowed to work, all others were ordered to stay at home. Those who would dare to venture out wore protective gear such as masks, as most kept their distance, afraid of catching this unseeable silent storm. Families were forced to stay apart, and celebrations were postponed. It was a time of great loneliness and isolation.

This reminded me of how Noah must have felt once safely on the ark as the animals aboard began to stir, sensing the change in the weather. Noah must have been comforted as he watched them move about, their instincts telling them that they need not fear the deluge that was to come.

For months, he worked tirelessly to build the vessel that would save not only his family but also the many animals, and now, at last, the time had come. As the rain poured down around him, at first lightly hitting the roof of the ark. No doubt his heart was pounding, hearing the cries of the many people (some friends, some relatives), quickly fade into a deafening silence as they floated away after having failed to gain entry into the ark.

As the storm intensified, Noah might have felt a sense of both relief and dread. He knew that the flood was Jehovah's way of cleansing the earth of its wickedness, but he might have felt a sense of sadness due to the many who simply would not listen to Jehovah’s lifesaving message and were now paying the price.

As the rain continued to fall, Noah prayed constantly for the safety of all aboard, trusting in God's plan and His promises. He knew that the storm would be long and difficult, but he was prepared to weather it knowing that Jehovah would provide him with whatever he needed to remain calm and at peace.

It is possible to find the peace of God when we are faced with a crisis, such as a pandemic, a natural disaster, riots, war, civil unrest, and even persecution. Any one of these events can fill us with fear but we should never doubt. Remember what Jesus reminded his followers: “Do not let your hearts be troubled nor let them shrink out of fear.” - John 14:27

Just as Noah probably listened to the soothing singing of the birds aboard the ark to calm any anxiety, which may have also reminded him of Jehovah’s mercy. (Psalm 94:19) We too have the audio recordings of the Bible, and the real-life experiences found in our publications and videos to remind us that our brothers and sisters are keeping their integrity despite similar challenges, and this alone can help us to have peace of mind during a crisis.

For months, Noah watched as the old world was consumed by the flood, and now, as he stood on the threshold of the new world, he may have felt a sense of peace that only “the God of peace” can provide. (Philippians 4:9). He knew that Jehovah had chosen him for this task, and he was grateful for the opportunity to fulfill it.

We too stand at such a threshold. So as this rotten world comes to its end, let’s be confident that no matter what happens, we can have peace, the peace we need from the peace of God, a peace that only Jehovah can give.

Do you have a comment that did not get mentioned during the Watchtower study? What encouraging observations would you like to point out? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.