In our search for peace, there is only One who gives true peace.
Jesus said,
“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, ESV)
Jesus, our Saviour and Prince of Peace; we celebrate His birth at Christmas time.
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV):
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Our loving Father God sent His only Son to this chaotic and striving world, to save us and reconcile us to Him, which we are not able to do on our own. There is none like our Lord Jesus.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, ESV).
God wants to give us His peace. So many people are feeling defeated by the pressures that come from living in this world. Instead of peace; we live in fear, worry, anxiety, perfectionism, comparison, self-consciousness, emotional insecurities, condemnation and doubts about whether our future could work out for good. I have felt this way at times, surviving a whirlwind day of anxiety and fear; feeling bad about myself and my situation.
Some people may not be aware that there is a peace that is not based on circumstances. There can be peace in the storm. The peace that God gives us; peace is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV).
We may try look for peace in other places, sometimes without even knowing we are looking for peace, but the place we find peace is in the presence of our faithful God. He keeps us in perfect peace.
Isaiah 26:3, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (ESV).
Keeping our focus on God, spending time with Him, praying and allowing Him into our hearts and lives, is what we can do every day. God has reminded me recently that He loves to spend time with me, and He also loves to spend time with you. God loves it when we share what is on our hearts; whatever we need help with, we can ask for help. We can be at peace, there is no need to worry that we are not good enough; God loves us more than we can ever imagine and we receive all in grace.
Each of us are so special to Him, so there is no need to compare ourselves to others. God has an amazing plan for each of our lives, and for us to flourish in our lives we do not rely on our own abilities. We look to God for help; God supplies all our needs.
We can live in peace, in the victory God has given us. Jesus came to this earth, and brought us peace. Jesus’ death and resurrection has given us victory. The battle belongs to the Lord, and He has already won. The mention of the Name of the Lord Jesus brings peace.
Let us always look to Jesus; our Lord and Saviour, for peace.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
Thank-You for sending Jesus to this earth to save us. We celebrate Your amazing love and grace at Christmas time. Thank-You for fighting for us, and in Your victory we have peace. Please forgive me for looking for peace in the wrong places at times. Thank-You for giving me peace, and for helping me to keep focused on all You are, and build my relationship with You. I welcome You Holy Spirit to come and have Your way in my heart and life.
In Jesus name, Amen