“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8.9)
Like a storm on the horizon, trouble can be brewing for awhile. But then, with a thunderclap, that which we greatly feared is upon us. Suddenly, we are in the midst of the tempest, and within us all kinds of emotions swirl as well. It is easy at such time to get carried away with fear or anger. We can become lifted up with knee-jerk reactions and “remedies” that only make matters worse. We feel compelled to act, when our strength is to sit still, waiting on God for our next move. Perhaps He would have us do nothing – except pray and abide in His peace that passes all understanding. “… Yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.” (Psa. 57:1)
The “beginning” of a thing can be awfully messy. “For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.” (Isa. 9:5) But the good news is found in the next verse: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isa. 9:6)
Where Jesus is allowed to rule there is peace. We can have peace in the midst of the wildest storm when we have enlisted God’s aid and committed all things into His care. He would have us put off all anger and wrath and rest in Him. He promises the “patient in spirit,” who wait on Him to arise, that the end of the matter will be better than the beginning. What a comforting word! Our Lord knows how to make wars to cease. He knows how to still every storm. He loves to work on behalf of those who trust in Him.
“Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.” (Psalm 46:8-11)