“I can’t take much more of this,” I said as tears streamed down my face. “God... please.” Feelings of desperation and brokenness rushed in as I whispered, “Lord, it feels like I have been waiting forever. When will this waiting end?”
Suddenly... peace. In the midst of all my questions, inner turmoil, and pain, came peace. An immovable, firmly planted peace. It was a comfort I needed when facing struggles in life that overwhelmed me from time to time.
Life has a way of blindsiding us, uprooting our confidence, and stealing our joy. My time in the waiting room of God, while not surprising, still causes frustration and despair in the midst of my own unfulfilled hopes and dreams – marriage, purpose, and destiny.
So, it’s times like that when I’m thankful for God’s Word, specifically, Jesus’ words in today’s verse. He promises His incredible peace over and above the trouble you and I will face. The same trouble Jesus’ disciples experienced as His followers. Trouble Christ knew and saw in His time and the times to come.
Jesus’ words, while strong and confident, also echo the compassion, sympathy, and love He holds in His heart for His people. It moves Him to issue this powerful statement of His peace — the greatest gift to receive amidst the storms of life, both in John’s time and today.
As we prepare our hearts for this sacred season of Advent, and the coming celebration of our Savior’s birth, may we take hold of Jesus’ incredible promise of His amazing peace.
Father God, sometimes it’s tough to embrace peace in light of the many disheartening and violent things I see happening in our world. Yet, you and your son knew before I was ever born that tough times would come my way. Thank you, Jesus, for speaking strength through the Scriptures into my heart and spirit. Thank you, Father, for sending your son so that I and everyone else have the precious gift of not only his birth but also of your word: a hope-filled book to see us through the troubles of life. Amen.
Go Deeper – What does it mean to have the peace of Christ available to you? Is it immovable and unshakeable even though you experience heartache and difficulties in your life? After reading today’s verse, sit back, close your eyes, and let His peace wash over you.
Photo Credit: Aaron Burden