“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27
This Christmastime, I’m reflecting on one of the greatest gifts mankind has ever received…PEACE.
Have you ever felt like peace is elusive? Like sand, slipping through your fingers, something that is there for a moment but impossible to grasp. I know I’ve had many seasons of life when I’ve felt this way. So desperately wanting peace, yet the more I wanted it – the more elusive it seemed to be. I was looking for peace in all the wrong places. My circumstances. My own strength. My husband. My accomplishments. My source of peace was off.
The Bible is full of verses that tell us how to obtain peace. Here are a few:
- PRAYER – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7)
- SUBMITTING TO GOD – “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (Rom. 8:6)
- TRUSTING GOD – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” (Is. 26:3)
- GIVING OUR CARES TO GOD – “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30)
The verse at the very top of this blog post shares insight also…God does not give us peace “as the world gives.”
Hallelujah!
When I shifted my focus to the right source – God – the peace began to come! My circumstances, accomplishments and everything else stayed the same (some even became “worse” by human standards), but peace was there. It really was, and is, a peace that transcends all understanding (Phil. 4:7). It is a peace that is with me wherever I go, and a peace that will stay within me into eternity if I continue to abide and seek the Peace-Giver, Jesus. God’s greatest gift to mankind – His Son – has given us a good, good gift by leaving His Spirit with us and His peace within those who choose Him.
Merry Christmas, and peace be with YOU, my friends!