“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).
Politics has an important place in our constitutional republic, and the rule of law is essential as we work toward a “more perfect union,” but it’s not peaceful. The Trump trial and other news may well upset you. Certainly there are troubles from the world in your personal life, finances, health, relationships. “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? asked the psalmist (42:11). The genius of the First Amendment is the acknowledgment that we Americans have two sovereigns; the government is one but not the only sovereign of our lives. Our other sovereign is freedom of conscience to worship God as we will. With all the rancor and partisanship in our land, only our Lord can lead us to say, “It is well with my soul.”
If your church uses the standard lectionary, Sunday’s readings will be about the Sabbath. “The Sabbath was made for man,” says Jesus (Mark 3:27), meaning that times away from the world and meditation upon Jesus restore us. “Return, o my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. For you have delivered my soul from death” (Psalm 116:7-8). “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15). “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31). “He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves” (Mark 6:31-32). “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). “You keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you” (Isaiah 26:3).
But we must go back to the world, and we should. That’s the second great commandment, to love our neighbor (Matthew 22:39). But we are different after Sabbath times. We go back refreshed and ready to serve.