“Solving for X. What does X =”? First, for me to be writing about solving for X only illustrates God’s sense of humor. Only God would pick someone who had to cheat his way through high school Algebra to write this message.

In the math world, X is the unknown. In today’s world, Jesus is the unknown. Without Jesus, people apply the world’s formula to find Peace, Value & Hope. People work harder, acquire more stuff, seek greater pleasures, aspire for more fame, position, and power to feel significant. It is from this “self-centered” approach we find in Genesis 3, with the apple, that our hearts become dark. From Mark 7:20, “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” Which = (equals) ANXIETY = FEAR!

But when we find Jesus, we discover His Peace in knowing…” For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-29. It’s the knowing Him…Trusting Him…Depending on Him, That He is Enough! It is claiming His Promise found in John 10:28, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” This is His, “No-Matter-What” Promise.

So, what are we called to do when another Covid, stock market crash, political upheaval, tragedy, personal attack & loss, bad doctor’s report…anything that could allow doubt to creep in…how do we respond? Always go to your knees. I prayerfully search His Word, His Love Letter and there He will whisper to my heart.

Two years ago, in Bible Study Fellowship I discovered this simple and powerful verse that applies to any “impossible” situation. King Jehoshaphat was facing certain destruction & death outside the city’s wall, He went to God and prayed, “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12. God answered his prayer in His (God’s) unique & amazing way.

Here is the Good News…When you find Jesus…when you turn your life over to Him…Trusting & Depending on Him, then, “… the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7