Part 1: God’s Peace

I have learned a lot about God this week; you can smile during a storm; rejoice during trials; and even claim victory and hold the peace He gives at all times – it doesn’t matter what you face. We truly serve an AMAZING God who is next to us in every situation. 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 (John 14:27). This is a promise that we cannot receive from the world.

Have you ever confided in someone about an issue and felt OK just until you got off the phone with the person, or felt alright until later that evening. The problem popped back into your mind and then you began to worry all over again. What happens when this occurs late in the evening or at midnight? Can you call the person again to get another dose of hope? Probably not.

Are you around anyone who is stressing about the holidays? People have accepted stress as the “norm” for this time of year. The world says: It’s OK to stress about your bills and how you are going to get gifts for family members, coworkers, friends, and the white elephant parties. Stay up late at night trying to figure it all out. Get in arguments with your spouse because one says the family cannot afford it this year and you want to. It’s OK. It’s all a part of the holiday fun! But where is the fun in all of this strife? There is no confusion with God. He does not want us to sow discord in the family. Truthfully, this is only acceptable to the world.

Have you ever come to a place in your life where it just wasn’t enough to pray two quick prayers a day and that was all the time you gave to God? The Bible tells us to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and everything else will be given to you (Matthew 6:33). Everything on earth, including you, belongs to the Lord. He holds the world in the palm of His hand (Psalm 95:4).  What can we hold in the palm of our hand? Therefore, we are not God. It’s time for us to stop acting as though we are. We shouldn’t take free will and God’s grace for granted. He loves us and has a plan for each of us, but we encounter painful outcomes when we choose to lean on our own understanding and do things our way. If you do not have peace today, then I encourage you to seek the one who gives it and not the world. This means not posting a question on Facebook and waiting for others to respond. Ask God.

Each day that we wake up is a gift from God. Choose today not to be at strife with your spouse and on edge over Christmas shopping and holiday dinner plans. God is greater than all of these things. Set your mind on Him and Him alone today. He has the perfect plan, so seek Him for it. You may not be able to call that friend at midnight, but you can call on the name of Jesus anytime! I’ve done it at 1 a.m., 3 a.m., and even 5 a.m. in the morning. He has always shown up and gave me the peace that passeth all understanding (Phil 4:7). No friend alive can give you peace like this regarding your situation.

God’s peace will have you wanting to dance and jump for joy. It doesn’t matter if people think you are crazy. It only matters what God thinks. As I’m writing this, I’m reminded of David dancing and rejoicing before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:14) as he and the Israelites brought the ark of the Lord to the City of David. Michal, the daughter of Saul, did not appreciate his leaping and dancing before the Lord. The Bible says she despised him in her heart (2 Samuel 6:16) for doing that. She was more worried about him dancing in this way before others then seeing the beauty in rejoicing before God because He is Great. Michal expressed her feelings to David, who did not let her opinion change his choice of gratitude to God, and the Bible says she had no children to the day of her death.

Do not worry about what the world thinks.

Accept God’s peace today and let Him take care of everything else. His peace will keep you far pass any short pleasures the world gives.