In last week’s post, we talked about flexibility and adaptability. These are especially important during the holidays, when, believe it or not, we’re still faced with all the things going on in our world that keeps us busy. We’re moving too fast for our own good and unable to just enjoy the moment. With that said, there’s a difference between adaptability and peace.
So, how do we then find peace when our world keeps moving at such a fast pace?
World Peace vs. God’s Peace-which is the Best Present
There is a difference between how the world perceives or defines peace and how God defines it. The way the world defines peace is a lack of war or trying to be calm, or a lack of chaos and confusion around us. God’s peace is defined as an internal peace in your heart and spirit — even when there’s chaos and confusion around you in the world.
Best Present
God actually made a covenant of peace with his people in the Old Testament. And in John 14, Jesus said he left his peace with us and gave it to us differently than the world gives peace. His peace does not look like the world’s type of peace.
In other words, he left his spirit of peace with us to fill us so that our hearts would not “be troubled and afraid.”
“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 6:22
As we said last week, we do not control our circumstances. We also don’t control when peace as the world sees it comes or doesn’t. But when the world is in chaos — and peace is absent — we can trust that God’s peace will always take over if we allow it to be a part of our lives. But how do we do that?
The book of Philippians tells us not to be anxious for anything but to instead take all of our thoughts, needs, and even our desire to be filled by God.
We have to allow Christ to be our peace. Isaiah told us in 26:3 that God keeps us in perfect peace when our mind is continually on him and trusting in him. To me, that means peace comes from God. And when we walk with him, there’s peace, quietness, and confidence (Isaiah 32:17).
During Christmas, many people remember the verse in Isaiah 9, which says: “For unto us a child is born he’ll be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of peace. And his peace will never end.”
All we’re saying here is that the opposite of chaos and confusion is peace. The world doesn’t give it. But God does. So, ask him for it. After all, He is the Prince of peace. Susan and I hope you have a Merry Christmas and one of God’s peace in your heart and soul. Choose Jesus, choose peace.
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Did we leave anything out? How are you finding peace this holiday season? Do you have any examples to share about how you’ve overcome the chaos that can ensue during this time of the year? Please send us a quick email and help us keep this conversation going at Mike@MikeandSusanDawson.com.