Our world is full of chaos. Our lives are full of chaos. How do we find the peace we seek in the midst of it all? During the Christmas season, more than any other time of the year, we hear people wishing for “peace on earth.” While I would love to see more peace on earth, I think what we are truly seeking is peace inside ourselves despite the chaos.
The chaos will probably never go away completely, but the peace we seek is possible through Jesus. Many times though, in my yearning for it, I mistakenly think I need to get things figured out, or get my act together before I can go to God. Sometimes, I even think if others would just change what they’re doing or saying, things will be better. This isn’t what God wants of me. He knows I’m flawed and weak. He knows my brokenness, and He knows my tendency to judge. So, He gave us His son to take away the sins of the world so we can come to Him as we are….chaos included. When we embrace the love of Jesus, we will know peace. When we give our troubles to Him, we will know peace. When we go to Him with every part of our messy lives, we will know peace.
In Isaiah 9:6 we read, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah foretold of the gift of peace we would all be given in the birth of Jesus. The first to hear of this gift were the lowly shepherds in the field. Imagine working in the lowest occupation of the time, yet being the first in line to be told the Good News. We can’t change the actions of others, but we can lay down our own judgements and fears so we can be open to hearing the Good News just as the shepherds did so long ago.
This gift is there for the taking if we are willing to accept it. Our peace in Jesus Christ does not depend upon us getting things right, but on us believing in Him and His unending love for us. – Dee Ann Lord, Family, Children & Youth Coach
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