Advent Week 3: Joy
December 15, 2024
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)
Nothing will give us lasting peace except Jesus:
The world offers temporary peace.
When things are going well, we certainly experience a level of peace, don’t we? For example, I am less anxious in general when my children are doing okay, there is money in the bank, and no one is sick. But what if good health disappears? These moments offer us a good test of the genuineness of our faith. If our faith is in good health to experience PEACE, then the PEACE disappears. When my world is shaken by such circumstances, I have learned to be grateful for the opportunity to see exactly how much faith I was placing in changing circumstances. If our trust is in Jesus, however, no matter what our health, then PEACE remains when sickness arrives. Sure, we have to fight for that PEACE, but we find that Jesus is just an inch away to give us PEACE that passes all understanding through prayer.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the PEACE of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)
This is what fighting for PEACE looks like.
A friend who is fighting cancer sent me this portion of a liturgy from the chemo chair this week: Whatever comes of this treatment will in no way diminish anything upon which my best hopes are fixed. In that great assurance give me courage, strength, and peace inexplicable, that I might bear your presence and shine your light of love and mercy, even to those who serve me today in their practice of medicine. (Liturgy by Douglas McKelvey)
As children of God, when we intentionally stay our hearts and minds upon Jesus, PEACE comes. That is what my friend is doing, and that is what we are to do, too.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of PEACE will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)
Jesus offers permanent peace.
For all of us adopted into the family of God, our PEACE can be stable because no matter what happens here on earth NOTHING can take away the PEACE we have with God through Jesus Christ. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)
We can rest in the truth that there is an expiration date on our pain and suffering. The hard stuff we contend with on earth will not last forever. Our short story on earth is connected to an immense and glorious story in heaven on earth where PEACE remains forever and ever. This is why we can have PEACE on earth today!
History is headed toward PEACE for God’s children.
No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be within the city, and His servants will worship Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun. For the Lord God will shine on them, and they will reign forever and ever. (Revelation 22:1-5)
A Prayer for PEACE
Oh, Lord, may the peace that passes all understanding live strong and stable in me, because my PEACE is not found in changing circumstances. My PEACE is found in the constant, reliable and faithful PERSON of Jesus. Keep developing this reality in me, particularly this Christmas season.
In the name of Jesus,
Amen
Picture Explanation: Snippets of time from my holiday season.
Speaking of living a short life in the PEACE of God’s promises for eternity: If you want to join the next online One Gritty Blink Bible study, click on the Oaks Ministries link in the copyright line. Check out the study in the One Gritty Blink tab, then send me an email in the Contact tab so I can place you on a list to be contacted for a future study! Let’s not just focus on things in this short life, but also what counts for eternity.
Note: No part of my posts are derived from A.I. Thoughts and writing stem from my mind and heart as I process life week-by-week and continue to grow in my understanding of God and how to apply His wisdom to the world around me.
© 2024 by Oaks Ministries. All rights reserved.
I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes growth.
1 Corinthians 3:6
10 Responses
I enjoyed your weekly devotion!! May peace be with you always!!!! I asked to be surrounded by the presence of God and not by presents from Satan through this holiday season, the best things in life were free anyone or any entity that holds them back in growth in evolution. Money is the root of all evil, keep your family close, but keep your enemies closer. Maybe they are two and one either way I will continue to pray for those I love and my enemies moving forward. After all, life is about balance
May God’s peace surround you.
Laurie! Thankyou for this post on peace: just what I needed to read this Sunday morning. It’s been a challenging few days & I’ve been wresting with resting in Jesus’ peace, no matter the circumstances! Love the pics of your beautiful mantle & the liturgy portion you included! Love you to pieces, Laurie!
And I love you back. Praying with you for peace to saturate your soul.
Thank you for your encouraging words my friend of many years. Beautiful
Oh, friend, I am so glad!
Hi, Dear Friend! I love the quote from Douglas McKelvey. I also love the paragraph that starts with, “We can rest in the truth….” I had some emotional pain yesterday about a relationship. I cried some tears and prayed for the person and for our relationship, and then I also thanked God that my suffering is only going to last “for just a little while.” My hope and peace are renewed. Thank you for faithfully blogging especially at this busy time of year as you finish out your semester and get ready for the holidays!
Thank you for sharing so personally. I end this response by praying for your tears too.
Peace: such a needed topic for this time and season. More talked about than experienced and lived. May we rest in the bosom of Prince of Peace Himself always! Thank you for always pointing us to pertinent truth, Laurie! Love you!
“More talked about than experienced and lived.”
May that change.