As you look around our world today, or perhaps even in your own life, have you noticed that peace is hard to find? As we near the end of 2022, we see high levels of anxiety, fearfulness, and stress, the opposite of peace.
It’s no wonder. Much of the world continues to struggle economically. Violence and natural disasters abound. Here in the United States, we’re experiencing historic inflation and continued high gas prices. Many high-profile companies are announcing layoffs as we head into the Christmas season, leaving many feeling anxious about their spending—and their future.
We’ve recently gone through yet another contentious election period. Division and angry discourse fill the airwaves and social media. It feels as if the moral foundation of our nation is crumbling, and God’s truth has been removed from almost every area of our culture. It’s not at all shocking that peace eludes us.
It occurs to me that peace comes in three forms:
First, there is emotional peace. This is a major struggle for many right now. We’re concerned (or perhaps downright angry) about what is happening in our lives, our families, and our world. Our hearts are not settled.
Second, there is physical peace. This eludes us when our bodies are on edge, fearful of sickness or harm that may come to us. Many of you may be dealing with physical ailments. Perhaps you’re concerned about your well-being or that of your family in these difficult days.
Finally, there’s spiritual peace. This comes by knowing your eternal standing in God’s presence. It comes by understanding that there is more to life than the pain that currently afflicts you. Spiritual peace—which is found in a personal relationship with Jesus—helps you to have emotional and physical peace as you focus on the eternal hope of Christ in a broken world.
I encourage you to take a moment and consider the peace that Christ brought into the world.
Seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus Christ, God foretold the coming of His Son, the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, NKJV). In fact, the first words uttered from Heaven to people on Earth after Jesus was born were, “Do not be afraid” (Luke 2:10, NKJV). This same multitude of angels proclaimed to the shepherds, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14, NKJV).
Just as Jesus’ life and ministry began with proclamations of peace, some of His final words to His disciples had the same focus: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27, NKJV).
Through Jesus, we can have peace knowing that Heaven awaits. Though we may struggle with the harsh realities of life—those difficult things that try to steal our emotional and physical peace—when we know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, He gives us His peace. It’s an eternal joy that helps us turn our focus toward Him and not fixate on our temporary trials.
When the world tries to give (or find) peace, it’s temporary and fleeting, often dependent upon material comfort, emotions, or relationships. But Jesus, the “Prince of Peace,” offers His perfect, lasting, and eternal peace to those of us who call upon Him as Savior. We don’t need to be troubled or afraid. We’re in His hands.
This Christmas season, there are likely many things weighing on your mind and heart, from the challenges of life to truly heartbreaking sorrows. You may feel like your emotional and physical peace is under attack.
Wherever you find yourself, Jesus wants to meet you there and offer His spiritual peace and eternal perspective. Take some time to focus on Jesus’ birth, your personal relationship with Him, and the perfect joy that He provides.
Christ brought peace to this world, and He is ready to give it freely to you. Accept His offer of eternal life and allow Him to enter into your heart.
Ready to receive God’s peace? Pray now.
