News Insight : Finding Peace in Global Shifting

A Message from FA Memphis

Hey there, Boundless family. If you’ve checked the news this morning, you might have seen headlines about tensions in the Middle East and ships in the Strait of Hormuz. It’s easy to let that heavy feeling settle in your chest, isn't it? But here at First Assembly Memphis, we want to remind you that while the world shifts, our Anchor holds firm.

We aren't just watching the news; we are looking through it to the One who holds the whole world in His hands. In early 2026, we’re seeing a lot of "global shifting." From the UN’s focus on digital governance and cybercrime to the shifting tides of international shipping routes, the world feels like a giant puzzle where the pieces won't stop moving. Let's take a deep breath together and find some peace in the pause.

The News: Waves and Whispers

Right now, global leaders are talking about warships, drones, and securing shipping routes. There’s a lot of noise about oil prices and security threats. For many of us, this brings up a lot of anxiety about the future and the safety of our own neighborhoods.

The "noise" can be overwhelming. Whether it's the 15th UN Crime Congress discussing global safety or the tension in the Strait of Hormuz affecting global trade, the "waves" are high. But remember, the same Jesus who slept through the storm on the Sea of Galilee is the same Jesus living in our hearts today. He isn't paced by the 24-hour news cycle, and we don't have to be either.

The Insight: The Peace of the Peacemaker

In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Notice He didn't say blessed are the peace-wishers or the peace-waiters. He said the peace-makers.

In a world that is shouting, being a peacemaker means choosing a different frequency. It means guiding our families away from the "secular anxiety" of the world and back to the quiet, steady truth of the Word of God. As parents, we have a unique job. When our kids hear about "wars and rumors of wars," we get to be the ones who say, "Yes, things are loud out there, but our God is louder."

We can acknowledge the reality of today's events without letting them rob us of our joy. Being a peacemaker starts at the breakfast table, where we pray for the leaders of the nations and for the families in those far-off places who just want to tuck their kids in safely tonight.

Family Bible Study: Standing on the Rock

Main Topic: Finding Our Refuge

Scripture Focus: Psalm 46:1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."

The Discussion: Read the verse aloud as a family. Imagine a mountain actually falling into the ocean, that would be a huge splash! The Bible says even if that happens, we don't have to be afraid.

Questions for the Heart:

1. What is something "noisy" you heard about today?

2. How does it feel to know God is like a big, strong fort (a refuge) that we can run into?

3. What is one way we can bring God’s peace to someone else who might be feeling scared?

The "Peace" Challenge: This week, whenever someone in the family feels a "wave" of worry, say out loud: "God is my refuge." See how it changes the atmosphere of your home!

Kids Story: Leo and the Brave Little Anchor

Leo sat on the porch, swinging his legs. He could hear the TV buzzing inside. The news man was talking about "big ships" and "big problems" far across the ocean. Leo looked at his toy boat in the grass. It looked small and a little bit lonely.

"Dad?" Leo asked when his father came out to sit beside him. "Is the world breaking?"

Dad pulled Leo close. "No, buddy. The world is just a little noisy right now. It’s like when the wind blows really hard and the trees shake. The trees are okay because their roots go deep into the ground."

"Do I have roots?" Leo asked, looking at his sneakers.

Dad laughed gently. "In a way, yes. Our 'roots' are our trust in God. Remember the anchor on Grandpa’s boat? When the waves got big, that anchor held the boat so it didn't drift away. God is our Anchor."

Leo picked up his toy boat. He imagined a tiny, golden anchor holding it steady, even if the garden hose turned on and made a giant river in the grass. He took a deep breath. The "noise" from the TV didn't seem so loud anymore. He knew that no matter how much the world shifted, the Anchor was holding tight.

The Chronicles of the Quiet Heart: Chapter One

Title: The Lantern in the Mist

The village of Oakhaven was usually a place of birdsong and bright sunshine. But lately, a strange, gray mist had begun to roll in from the Great Sea. It wasn't a cold mist, but it made everything look blurry. People in the market were whispering. They talked about the "Shifting Tides" and "The Great Unknown."

Ten-year-old Elara watched from her window. She saw her neighbors locking their doors earlier than usual. She saw the worry in her mother’s eyes as she checked the flour bins.

"Mother," Elara whispered. "Why is everyone so quiet and loud at the same time?"

Her mother paused, holding a small wooden lantern. "Because they’ve forgotten about the Light, Elara. When things get blurry, people start to look at the mist instead of the path."

She handed Elara the lantern. "This lantern doesn't make the mist go away, but it shows you exactly where to step. We aren't called to see the whole map, Elara. We are called to follow the Light, one step at a time."

Elara took the lantern. It felt warm in her hands. She realized that the mist couldn't stop the light; it only made the light more important.

Tips for Raising Peacemakers in a Shifting World

1. Filter the Flow: Be mindful of how much background news is playing. Even if children aren't "watching," they are absorbing the tone and tension of the reporters.

2. Validate, Don't Magnify: If your child asks about a headline, answer honestly but simply. "Yes, some people are arguing, but there are also many people working hard to make peace."

3. Model the Pause: When you feel anxious about a news alert, let your kids see you pray. "Lord, I feel a little worried about this news. I'm giving that worry to You and asking for Your peace."

4. Focus on the "Helpers": As Mr. Rogers famously said, "Look for the helpers." Point out the missionaries, the doctors, and the peacemakers working in the areas mentioned in the news.

Hands-On Faith: The Family Anchor Craft

Activity: The "Peace Anchor" Jar

• Items Needed: A clear jar, some blue paper (to represent water), small stones or marbles, and a piece of cardboard cut into an anchor shape.

• The Process:

• Spiritual Connection: "Whenever we feel like the 'waves' in our jar are getting tossed around, we look at the anchor sitting on the rocks. The waves are on top, but the anchor is at the bottom, safe and sound. That’s how God’s peace works in us!"

Supplemental Materials

Scripture Memory Cards (8.5" x 11")

Card 1

• Verse: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." : Matthew 5:9

• Key Truth: I can bring God's peace to my home.

• Signature: ____________________

Card 2

• Verse: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." : Psalm 46:1

• Key Truth: God is my safe place.

• Signature: ____________________

Card 3

• Verse: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you." : John 14:27

• Key Truth: Jesus gives me a special kind of peace.

• Signature: ____________________

Card 4

• Verse: "The Lord sits enthroned over the flood." : Psalm 29:10

• Key Truth: God is in control of everything.

• Signature: ____________________

Parent Discussion Guide

Heart of the Story: The goal of today’s insight is to move from "Worldly Anxiety" to "Kingdom Peace." By focusing on Christ as our Anchor, we teach our children that safety isn't found in the absence of conflict, but in the presence of God.

Theological Roots (AoG Truth): We believe in the Sovereignty of God and the comforting work of the Holy Spirit. Even in global shifting, God’s Word remains the final authority and our ultimate source of security.

Segmented Questions:

• Ages 3-6: If you see a bird outside, remember how God takes care of it. He takes care of us, too, even when things seem a little noisy.

• Ages 7-9: Why do you think Jesus wants us to be peacemakers? How can we show peace to our friends today, even if the news is a little scary?

• Ages 10-12: When we hear about big global problems, how does it help to know that God is the "I AM" who was here before all of this and will be here after?

A Prayer for Today "Lord, we lift up the nations to You. We pray for peace in the Middle East and for the safety of our own homes. Help us to be peacemakers in our words and our thoughts. Remind us that Your Word is the primary truth, and let Your peace, which passes all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen."

Boundless Online Church An outreach ministry of First Assembly Memphis www.boundlessonlinechurch.org www.famemphis.org