When I think of the word, peace, I think of the feeling of taking a deep breath and letting go of all the weight we carry on our shoulders, all of the situations swirling around us. I think of the feeling of peace we get when we know and believe without a doubt that our Father is taking care of things, that He is surrounding us with His unconditional love.
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3
The other day I was mentally planning my Christmas list: we’ve already bought the kids’ big gift and I was trying to figure out the little presents and stocking stuffers that we would be buying. During this brainstorm session I also began to think about all the other people we needed gifts for, and about the potlucks and gift exchanges at work and the decorations and the kid’s time off of school. I felt my peace slipping away.
This time of year peace is a word we see on almost every display, in songs, and in decorations. This time of year is also a time when that peace can seem far away when we allow the stress of the holiday season to overshadow what the season is truly about.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
It can be difficult to keep our focus on our Prince of Peace when we are thinking of piles of presents and of parties…when we have situations in our life that don’t line up with the joyous image of what Christmas is supposed to be…when we take our eyes off of Him. Christmas should be fun, filled with friends, family, and food; we should enjoy it and have fun. But throughout these festivities we need to remember the Giver of peace, and to remember what His birth did in our lives.
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10
Dear Heavenly Father, Lord let us not take our minds off of the peace You have given us. Let us find that peace in the gift of Your birth that we celebrate each year. Thank you for that deep breath we can take. Lord for those who are struggling with peace this season, please give us the words and the heart to show them love. This time of year can generate many mixed emotions we desire to keep our eyes fixed and focused on you. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
About Tonya Ellison
Tonya, thank you for this reminder this morning. Yesterday I let the stress of everything push back my peace–not pretty, and certainly not where I want to be. As I read your devotional, I was reminded of an old hymn, “Wonderful Peace.” http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/o/wonpeac1.htm
With your words and prayer, and this song, I’m starting off this day much better than yesterday! ‘Thank You, Lord, for Your Peace!”
such a good reminder…thank you, tonya! …endeavoring to keep my eyes on the One Who matters! <3
Amen, Tonya! May peace invade your heart this Christmas!