Our lives are filled with chaos. Troubles surround us and threaten us on every side. Trials come as unrelenting waves, one after another; beating on our tender spirits like they were just another jagged coastline.
“Merry Christmas!”
What? That’s right, I said, “Merry Christmas!” This precious new born Babe in the manger is the answer to all of life’s threatening chaos. Jesus told us that in this life we will surely have trials and tribulations, as though giving us some strange promise of doom and gloom! (John 16:33) But He is also the Source of incredible peace in the midst of those trials.
The prophet Isaiah called this “Perfect Peace” (Isaiah 26:3). He also said the baby Jesus would be called the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). The Apostle Paul tells us that the peace we have from being in Christ “surpasses all comprehension” (Philippians 4:6, 7).
I know that “Perfect Peace” doesn’t sound very realistic. But what else could you call it when your waking hours are swirling with chaos, yet you always manage to sleep like a rock? The “perfect” here doesn’t mean you have to be perfectly at peace, no matter what. This isn’t an indictment against you for ever having a worry or a fear. However, there is hope, real and true HOPE. The troubles of this world do swirl all around us; but on the inside we can honestly be at peace! How? Because we know that the Lord will get us through these various trials.
It doesn’t happen because we think happy thoughts or because we repeat some uplifting mantra dozens of times every day. Inner peace becomes our reality because we are indwelt with God, the Holy Spirit, and He brings us this calm peace. Not mere resignation because “I can’t change this so I might as well learn to just live with it!” No, this is His Perfect Peace which surpasses all human understanding. It comes from God and it is definitely not of this world.
A word of caution here – notice I said He would get us “through” our various trials. The true gospel of Jesus is not about “health, wealth, and prosperity”. Quite the contrary! Jesus actually promised us that life would be more difficult if we followed Him. He said the world hated Him and so they’ll hate us too! (John 15:18-19).
I’m not sure how modern-day prosperity preachers can dismiss the factual church history of persecution and martyrdom. But I want to be clear, that’s not what I’m claiming Jesus promises. He gets us “through” our trials. He walks with us “through” the storms of life and the valley of death (Psalm23). There are going to be times in your life that are dark, scary, sudden, extreme, and loud! Ultimately, we all face death, but never alone. Remember, “Loneliness is a Lie!”
I’m praying that you are able to know the salvation offered by Jesus Christ and receive His Perfect Peace for yourself. I pray whatever is going on in your life right now, that it is not overwhelming you; that you are resting in our Father’s love and care for you as His child.
“Merry Christmas!”