Amongst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is easy to not have peace of mind, thought, and definitely not peace in the Lord. It appears at the very moment that we should have the most peace with God, it is the hardest to find peace, or if not to find it, then to maintain it. Why is that so? Why has everything of this world convinced us that peace at this time is unattainable? God promises us Peace through Him. It is the very birth of Jesus that allows us to have peace and overwhelming victory forever.
One of my favorite Christmas hymns happens to be Hark the Harold Angels Sing, in which we proclaim: “Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”
We are RECONCILED from our sins.
What does that even mean?
Merriam Webster defines reconcile as:
>> Transitive Verb: to restore friendship or harmony. <<
Well we do know that God is our friend, and that the BIRTH of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ causes a friendship to exist between us and God, but there is HARMONY. There is no longer a barrier between us and God. Christ has bridged the gap, he was born, he paid for our sins and now we the sinners have a connection to God through his son. When God sees us, he sees his son and this is a representation of the greatest unconditional love imaginable. To know that when God looks at me, he sees Jesus, well that gives me peace of mind and spirit. And when he sees YOU he sees his Son standing in front of you, paying the price of your sin. That is reason for GREAT PEACE.
My favorite verse of scripture as of late has come from the book of John, and while at Christmas we celebrate Jesus’ birth and the miracle of his life, we also look ahead to the price he will pay and the sacrifice he made.Throughout exams, the simple trials of everyday life, the great joys and everything and anything in between I continue to reiterate this to myself:
My favorite verse of scripture as of late has come from the book of John, and while at Christmas we celebrate Jesus’ birth and the miracle of his life, we also look ahead to the price he will pay and the sacrifice he made.Throughout exams, the simple trials of everyday life, the great joys and everything and anything in between I continue to reiterate this to myself:
John 16:33 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.”
I get chills… yes CHILLS… every time I read this verse. It is simply empowering and I just want to bow down at the Majesty that is Jesus.
“TAKE HEART, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD. “
My mind cannot fully process this statement in all of its entirety and magnitude. Jesus has OVERCOME the world. The whole entire world. “He’s got the whole world in his hands.” In him we have peace, and hope and the gift of life. He does not promise us that our lives will be easy, or without tribulation, but the world does not matter. The things of this world do not define us, they do not have power over us because he is in control and he has OVERCOME the world.
In the upcoming New Year I encourage you to write this verse on a notecard. Keep it in your Bible, on your mirror, in your car, in your purse, or for you men your frocket. ANYWHERE. Maybe you’ll look at it every day. Maybe you will see it just when you need it most. Maybe it will remind you that YOU ARE HIS! You should have great peace and courage of heart because he has conquered all for YOU.
A few little things that bring me peace right now:
1. The word peace is mentioned in the Bible over 230 times (NIV) and 429 (KJV)!! WOW.
2. We have a month away from school to spend time with friends, family and in His word.
3. There are people smiling and sharing His love everywhere you go at this time of year.
4. And I always remember “Sins curse has lost its grip on me.” (Listen to “In Christ Alone”)
5. There is a NEW YEAR ahead and EVERY DAY Jesus offers us a new beginning!
1. The word peace is mentioned in the Bible over 230 times (NIV) and 429 (KJV)!! WOW.
2. We have a month away from school to spend time with friends, family and in His word.
3. There are people smiling and sharing His love everywhere you go at this time of year.
4. And I always remember “Sins curse has lost its grip on me.” (Listen to “In Christ Alone”)
5. There is a NEW YEAR ahead and EVERY DAY Jesus offers us a new beginning!
If you are struggling with peace here are a few verses to use to increase your peace.
PRAYER. LOVE. SERVING CHRIST. FAITH.
Philippians 4:6-7 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.
2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another,agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
Romans 14:17-19 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Written by the lovely Kathryn Kingsmore of Phi Mu
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