“I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace.” John 16:33 (MSG)
Although the holidays recently passed, this morning I found myself slipping a Christmas CD into the player. I’m sort of a Christmas carol fanatic, as evidenced by my collection of twenty-five holiday CDs. I grew up on Bing, Perry, and Nat every December, and my heart feels all cozy and peaceful whenever I hear them sing.
As determined as I was last month not to get caught up in the hoopla (aka crazy busyness disguised as holiday cheer), I lived through my share of moments feeling swamped beneath the glittery decor overtaking my house when I wondered if I was missing the best parts of what Jesus wants to share with me during His birthday month.
What things might those be? Love, joy, hope. All favorites. But the one I like best when I’m feeling overwhelmed is peace.
Peace. Say it out loud. Isn’t it wonderful? It even sounds calming. The first song that rang from my CD this morning was “Silent Night,” which embodies the peace that enveloped the land surrounding the manger where the Conqueror and King of the world came to us as a tender, vulnerable baby.
I know Jesus loves peace. He says quite a bit about it. He says in John 14:27 (NIV), “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.” He offered His frightened disciples peace in John 20:19–20, and He readily doles it out to us today.
We need peace in ceaseless, flowing amounts. Trouble is here to stay until Jesus demolishes it forever. His peace reigns over all that. Ask Him for peace today, and enjoy His love, hope, and joy that fill your heart along with it.
Faith Step: Look up these verses next time you need a reminder of the peace Jesus offers you: Acts 10:36; Romans 1:7; Romans 5:1; Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 1:3.
