Advent week 2: peace

Dec 9 –

Isaiah 52:7 - "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'”

When God comes to dwell among his people, the one who brings good news gives four proclamations that will inaugurate a time of peace, goodness, salvation, and a period of Divine rule. “Peace” in this text is an absence of war and conflict, the establishment of a period of unity, cooperation, and righteous relationships among people. A time of “goodness” implies that the negative experiences of evil, hatred, sickness, and death will no longer be present any longer; instead, positive, and helpful relationship will flourish for the benefit of all. “Salvation” indicates that God will deliver people from anything that might harm, oppress, or attempt to overpower them. This will all be possible because God himself will reign as King over his kingdom. We have so much to look forward to when Jesus comes back again!

Question: How can God’s peace be the answer to your prayers for yourself and the world?

Prayer: Dear Lord, we welcome the day when you come back to renew creation. Help us be people of peace that rely on your Spirit to guide us and settle us. Amen. 

Dec 10 –

John 14:27 - "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."

Up until now, there has been no talk of peace. This mention of peace is unique. It not the usual usage that would signify a farewell kind of discourse. Instead, Jesus differentiates this peace from any kind of peace the world gives. This the peace that Jesus gives. It is a peace not dependant on external circumstances. This is the peace that unifies us with Jesus and indicates the kind of peace that eases a troubled heart. Effectually, Jesus says to us the peace he gives develops courage to face the world and our troubles with the confidence that comes from a relationship with him.

Question: What or who is your source of peace? 

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I come before you with a humble heart, seeking the peace that surpasses all understanding. In a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty, I turn to you as the source of true and lasting peace.

Dec 11 –

Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."

Isaiah offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of life with a steadfast mind and an unwavering trust in God. Isaiah's words assure us that when our thoughts are anchored in God and we wholeheartedly rely on His faithfulness, He will keep us in perfect peace. That seems impossible to comprehend. Is it that easy? It comes down to the realization that if we keep our minds focused on God, there will be peace that follows. Even during a storm, peace is there if we keep our mind and heart cantered on Christ.

Question: What are some disciplines you could practice in your life now to train your heart and mind to center on the peace Jesus even when the storms come?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, calm the storms that rage within me and around me. Let your peace reign in my heart, bringing calm to my thoughts and emotions. May your light dispel the darkness of fear and anxiety, replacing them with the assurance of your loving peaceful presence. 

Dec 12 –

Philippians 4:6-7 - "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."

When we are tempted with worry and anxiety, we may inadvertently make a request to God for help or some sense of peace. It is important to be reminded that He already knows us, and He is fully aware of our weaknesses and proclivities to try and fix it ourselves. I firmly believe that the most beneficial discipline to calm our spirit and prepare our heart to receive what God has for us is to pray. It is a spiritual resource we often neglect; through prayer we reach out to God and seek to understand a little deeper God’s view of our circumstances and worries. Prayer keeps our focus on where it should be, on Jesus.

Question: Does peace mean that all the troubles and worries in life have to be smoothed out? 

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I surrender my worries and burdens to you, trusting that you are in control. Fill me with your Holy Spirit, that I may experience the peace that can only come from you.

Dec 13 –

2 Thessalonians 3:16 - "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you."

To have peace in every circumstance would mean that our spiritual perspective would supersede every trouble, issue, or problem we may face and bring a centering calm to our mind, body, and soul. For us, through the spiritual perspective of following Jesus, could allow us to live above the circumstances of life. That doesn’t mean we live like God will handle it and we don’t have to do anything. It means that we exercise our faith through prayer, reading of the scriptures, and humility to build endurance knowing God will give us peace at all times in every way.

Question: What part of God’s promise of peace do you not believe when you face the problems and worries of life?

Prayer: Jesus, you are the way, the truth, and the life. Guide me on the path of righteousness and grant me the wisdom to make choices that align with your will. Help me to be an instrument of your peace in the world, spreading love, compassion, and understanding.