As Christians, Christmas is one of the most joyful times of year. We have so much to be thankful for…so much to celebrate.
But, Christmas also brings chaos.
Christmas brings parties, programs, rehearsals, dinners, shopping…
How do we, as believers, with so much reason to celebrate, find peace and joy amidst the chaos??
It was no accident that our Sunday School lesson and our pastor’s sermon today were both about peace. God sees our struggle, our racing about, our frenzy…and He ordains little reminders for us. I know I need them pretty often myself.
As I was burdened this weekend for the leadership and staff of our church with so many “happenings” this week, I began to ask myself questions. Why do we do what we do? Why do we commit to too many things? Why do Christians stress out during the holidays?
But, God reminded me that even in the chaos, He gives peace. Even when I don’t have all the answers as to WHY there is so much craziness, I can still find peace, strength and joy in my Savior.
Isn’t it good of God to remind me that I don’t have to have all the answers to have peace! ha!! Sometimes I think I do need all the answers, to have it all figured out…THEN I will have peace. But that simply isn’t the truth, according to His Word.
Here is what God reminded me about peace…
1. Peace is a Person. His name is Jesus.
“For He himself is our peace…” Ephesians 2:14
We don’t have to wonder how to get peace. We don’t have to search for it. And the best news, we don’t have to go without! Jesus, Himself, is our peace. When we are lacking, it is our own humanness getting in the way. Stop and call out the name of Jesus. He is there. He is with you. He is peace. We can’t find peace in perfect circumstances. We can only find peace in Jesus.
2. Prayer brings peace.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
If Jesus Himself is our peace, it is no wonder that prayer brings peace!! When we go to Jesus in prayer, when we talk to Him, when we spend time with Him…the peace just envelops us. I have found this to be so true in my own life. Just start talking to Him…He will fill you up completely.
3. Peace comes when we change our thinking.
“…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things…and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
I can tell you that without a doubt, my own negative thinking is what removes the peace from my heart more times than not. Yes, circumstances can rob us of our peace when we let it, but for me personally, more often it is my own thought process. When I choose to dwell on the negatives: how I’ve messed up, how many things we have going on this week, how crazy my kids are behaving…when I dwell on those things, I spiral into a bad mood quickly and my peace flies right out the door. It is HARD for me to make myself think about the things outlined in Phil.4:8-9. I don’t succeed so many times…but the truth is right in front of me.
Friends, this Christmas season, let’s seek Peace in a Person. Let’s learn from the wise men and seek Him above all else! Let’s take those precious moments with Him that we need so badly. Let’s spend time meditating on His Word and those true, noble things.
Praying peace for each of you…
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