Advent: Peace

As followers of Christ, we are called to seek His presence. In His presence, Jesus shares his everlasting peace with us. We always have access to this Holy presence through the Spirit, even in difficult circumstances.

War: War is any type of battle we face as we continue to walk with Christ. We must constantly choose to follow Him, even when facing other battles. A few examples of things we battle are: culture, idols, self, your boss, and your neighbor. Psalms 69:33 says if we cast our battles to the Lord, he hears the needy. Can we truly fight our personal wars without the victorious right hand of the Lord? Follow God first, and He will uplift us in battle.

Peace in War: (Isaiah 9:4-5) Scripture show us time after time that we cannot depend on our own will to fight these battles. But, if we depend on the Lord, the battles are won. We see this in Judges 6-7, when Gideon is victorious over the Midianites by the will of God. We find peace when we understand that it’s not by our own will, but by God’s will that sin and death are overcome.

Dying to Self: He brings peace in war, but we must be worthy. Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:38 that whoever does not take up cross and follow Him is not worthy. When we die to ourselves and trust Jesus, we inherit the promise of salvation. Through Christ’s work, we are worthy. It is only then that we experience true peace. So, how will you pick up your cross this week?

John 16:33 says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” Let your trust that God has overcome the world allow you to rest in His peace, no matter the circumstance.