December 6, 2017
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Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.] John 14:27
“I can’t take much more of this,” I said as tears
streamed down my face. “God... please.” Feelings of desperation and
brokenness rushed in as I whispered, “Lord, it feels like I have been
waiting forever. When will this waiting end?”
Suddenly... peace. In the midst of all my questions, inner turmoil,
and pain, came peace. An immovable, firmly planted peace. It was a
comfort I needed when facing struggles in life that overwhelmed me from
time to time.
Life has a way of blindsiding us, uprooting our confidence, and
stealing our joy. My time in the waiting room of God, while not
surprising, still causes frustration and despair in the midst of my own
unfulfilled hopes and dreams – marriage, purpose, and destiny.
So, it’s times like that when I’m thankful for God’s Word,
specifically, Jesus’ words in today’s verse. He promises His incredible
peace over and above the trouble you and I will face. The same trouble
Jesus’ disciples experienced as His followers. Trouble Christ knew and
saw in His time and the times to come.
Jesus’ words, while strong and confident, also echo the compassion,
sympathy, and love He holds in His heart for His people. It moves Him to
issue this powerful statement of His peace — the greatest gift to
receive amidst the storms of life, both in John’s time and today.
As we prepare our hearts for this sacred season of Advent, and the
coming celebration of our Savior’s birth, may we take hold of Jesus’
incredible promise of His amazing peace.
Father God, sometimes it’s tough to embrace peace in light of the
many disheartening and violent things I see happening in our world.
Yet, you and your son knew before I was ever born that tough times would
come my way. Thank you, Jesus, for speaking strength through the
Scriptures into my heart and spirit. Thank you, Father, for sending your
son so that I and everyone else have the precious gift of not only his
birth but also of your word: a hope-filled book to see us through the
troubles of life. Amen.
Go Deeper – What does it mean to have the peace of
Christ available to you? Is it immovable and unshakeable even though you
experience heartache and difficulties in your life? After reading
today’s verse, sit back, close your eyes, and let His peace wash over
you.
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