Many Christmas songs call for “Peace on Earth.” As much as we would like a peaceful world, it’s
easy to feel helpless when we see so much war and turmoil all over our planet. Maybe
we need to look within to find peace in our own lives before we can impact our
world.
In 2015 my friend, Tanya Hall, and I collaborated in writing
28 Advent devotionals for our church members to use during the weeks leading to
Christmas. We used a stanza from the beloved Christmas song O Holy Night for each devotional. I’m
pleased to post one of Tanya’s devotions where she shares her thoughts on the
true source of peace.
O Holy Night
“His law is love and His
gospel is peace.”
“Glory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14
What does peace mean to you? Is it the absence of
conflict? Is it really possible to
experience peace in the midst of great conflict? According to the Bible, the
peace given by God transcends all understanding. In other words–it doesn’t make
sense. But we know God loves to work in the impossible. Many years ago I
struggled with a situation that I could not move past. I was stuck. For seven
years my mind and emotions were tormented. I could not enjoy the present,
because I was stuck in the past. God did a healing in me that only He could do.
He gave me a peace that transcended my understanding. I knew it was from God
because nothing else I tried worked. His peace wrapped around my mind and
emotions until I could rest from the battle.
God’s peace doesn’t make sense to the world yet it’s the
world’s greatest need. Everybody is looking for peace. We all seek peace on
earth, but it’s only in God that true peace resides. HE IS PEACE. He longs to
fill you with His peace which abides in spite of earthy conflict. It truly
transcends ALL understanding. The peace the angels proclaimed at the birth of
Jesus has yet to be realized. It didn’t make sense to the chaotic world of
Jesus’ time and makes no sense to our world today.
If you are lacking true peace, turn to Him. It’s the best
gift you can give yourself.
Lord,You are my peace in
this chaotic world. Amen.
Wise men and women still seek Him.
How the world needs God and the peace only He can give.
ReplyDeleteFrieda, we must not take this wonderful peace for granted... both the peace of God and the peace with God... He is our source of peace and joy! Thank you for this great devotional. Love to you from Carleen
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and so true all year round. BBT
ReplyDeleteI used to feel peace was God's greatest gift...but He said love is the greatest. True. Joy, peace and love, these three-but the greatest is love. JOY right now is the important one during this busy season because the joy of the Lord is my strength! All His gifts are priceless!
ReplyDelete