Day 15: by Juno Smalley
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Today at church or in your home, we light the Peace candle. Many people describe Peace by associating it with an external experience, item, or feeling. When you get your to-do list done, then you will have peace. When you finish your final exams, then you will have peace. When you become an empty nester, then, of course, things will be peaceful. When you get called back to work and your financial situation becomes stable, then you’ll experience the peace that Jesus gives. The list goes on…
Yet, I think most people also realize that the peace Jesus brings is an inward peace that helps through the storms of life. Many of you know from personal experience how God provides peace in the midst of troubled times or rough waters. God turns messes into miracles. That miracle God shows you is a result of the peace you have within your heart because of Jesus. The situation may not have changed but in the midst of the difficulty, you changed, realizing these words that Paul wrote while he was in prison:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6 & 7
Jesus desires and promises to do miracles in the midst of the chaos… but maybe the miracle is going to be within your heart, versus removing the painful situation. God often gives his presence of peace in the midst of the painful messes or situations you are in?
What area do you need to turn over to the Lord and have him create the miracle of peace in your heart?
Today at church or in your home, we light the Peace candle. Many people describe Peace by associating it with an external experience, item, or feeling. When you get your to-do list done, then you will have peace. When you finish your final exams, then you will have peace. When you become an empty nester, then, of course, things will be peaceful. When you get called back to work and your financial situation becomes stable, then you’ll experience the peace that Jesus gives. The list goes on…
Yet, I think most people also realize that the peace Jesus brings is an inward peace that helps through the storms of life. Many of you know from personal experience how God provides peace in the midst of troubled times or rough waters. God turns messes into miracles. That miracle God shows you is a result of the peace you have within your heart because of Jesus. The situation may not have changed but in the midst of the difficulty, you changed, realizing these words that Paul wrote while he was in prison:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6 & 7
Jesus desires and promises to do miracles in the midst of the chaos… but maybe the miracle is going to be within your heart, versus removing the painful situation. God often gives his presence of peace in the midst of the painful messes or situations you are in?
What area do you need to turn over to the Lord and have him create the miracle of peace in your heart?
Sunday's Song
Lauren Daigle has another song, The Light of the World, that speaks to the incredible gift we have received in Jesus as the light of the world, who brings us peace.
Sunday's Prayer
Lord, while some people are handling the stresses of this season well, others are deeply needing to experience your peace, in a fresh new way. Thanks for making miracles out of my messes, even the ones I’ve created. Forgive me for taking your peace for granted or for thinking it was all up to me to produce.
Help me to stay connected to you in very real and tangible ways so that your peace is reflected in what I say and do and how I live my life to bring you glory.
Lord, you know we, as your church here in Artesia, need a continual renewal of your spirit to help guide us. We need to lean into the areas and situations where you have called us to be on mission, to invite people you have brought into our paths to church on Christmas Eve.
Help me do my part as I follow you. Prepare my heart to have you take control and lead me in ways that will make an eternal difference in someone’s life. Lord, in a very real way I want to experience your peace that passes all understanding. Lord, in a very real way, help us as your church to lead with your peace that passes all understanding.
Lord, may our worship this morning bring us closer to you. May it connect my heart with you Lord, so I can be used by you to my friends, family, grandchildren, and co-workers so that they may get a fresh perspective on what it means to follow Jesus.
Thank you for Jesus whose peace makes all things well with my soul.
AMEN
Help me to stay connected to you in very real and tangible ways so that your peace is reflected in what I say and do and how I live my life to bring you glory.
Lord, you know we, as your church here in Artesia, need a continual renewal of your spirit to help guide us. We need to lean into the areas and situations where you have called us to be on mission, to invite people you have brought into our paths to church on Christmas Eve.
Help me do my part as I follow you. Prepare my heart to have you take control and lead me in ways that will make an eternal difference in someone’s life. Lord, in a very real way I want to experience your peace that passes all understanding. Lord, in a very real way, help us as your church to lead with your peace that passes all understanding.
Lord, may our worship this morning bring us closer to you. May it connect my heart with you Lord, so I can be used by you to my friends, family, grandchildren, and co-workers so that they may get a fresh perspective on what it means to follow Jesus.
Thank you for Jesus whose peace makes all things well with my soul.
AMEN
Posted in Advent Devotional 2022