Peace is a pretty big deal!  Peace is the proof we are experiencing the wholeness that is God’s desire for every person.  Peace is that deep inner calm where all is right with God.  Peace says there is no need to worry because God’s got this.

Do you have God’s peace deep down where your soul lives?

Or do you identify more with Job? “I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.” (Job 3:26)

Can you look in the mirror and be at perfect peace with the body you see? Are you pulled to all things new whether you need them or not? Has Covid caused you fear and anxiety?  Are you haunted by an unreconciled relationship? Does perfectionism keep you from ever finding satisfaction?

Is it even possible to have peace in such a crazy world? 

What a blessed relief to remember that it’s not peace’s fault that we struggle to find it.  It’s not a game of hide and seek with peace tucked away in the most undiscoverable hiding place, silently giggling with glee. Peace is not trying to allude us. 

Peace is a natural consequence of trusting God. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25), given freely and generously to those who walk in step with him. It is a beautiful waltz, danced in perfect oneness, effortlessly following his lead (John 17:20-23).  It is emotional safety in the midst of a storm, when it makes no sense whatsoever (Psalm 4:8).  It is that place of deep calm and confidence that just knows: no matter what, God will win in the end (Psalm 60:12).

Do you want this kind of peace? No amount of self-talk will bring the true peace promised to those who put their trust in him. But it can be yours, right here, right now. 

Imagine this: it’s a miserably hot day. The kind of heat that radiates off the sidewalk like a campfire. The air is so thick with humidity you can barely breathe. You are trudging along, ready to collapse with every step. You happen upon an open elevator and step in for a little relief.  This elevator only goes down, so you push the button and wait.  Down and down it goes, the air getting lighter with every passing floor.  The heat is fading away, like a dream when you wake up in the morning.  At last, the elevator stops and the door opens. You enter a deliciously refreshing meadow, with velvety grass and delicate flowers in full bloom. The air is fresh and pure and clean and warm and cool, all at the same time.  You stop and take a deep breath, and then notice a path winding next to a gently bubbling stream.  There is tranquil beauty in every direction. There are no traffic sounds, no feeling of hurry, and that air…you can’t get enough of it. You breathe deeply and walk for awhile, and you feel the tension start to melt away. Finally, rounding a corner, you see Jesus sitting as if he was waiting just for you. He beckons you to come closer.  “Don’t be afraid, come sit with me. This moment is for you alone. Come, and be at peace.” With nothing to fear, you accept his invitation, climbing into his lap and feeling the weight of the world slip away.  The serenity, the security, the tranquility.  You could stay here forever.

This kind of peace is truly possible. Listen to the invitation of Jesus as he calls you to this place. Don’t let life get the better of you. Stop during this Advent season and experience the true peace provided by the coming of the newborn King.

Love,
Gigi

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. — Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)