During the second week of Advent, we focused on Peace …

The week began with reading Genesis 1 and Genesis 3.

What a contrast between these 2 chapters. In Genesis 1, we find all God created – perfect in beauty, perfect in order, and perfect in peace.

But sin entered. In Genesis 3, we find God using the word “enmity” in verse 15 (NASB). My Bible commentary explains it:

“The English word ‘enmity’ comes from the same root as ‘enemy’ … Our Lord specifically designates Satan as the ‘enemy”.”

(from The Scofield Study Bible)

May we not think only Adam and Eve had an enemy who sought to cause them to sin and wreak havoc in their lives. He does the same to us as well.

He disturbs our peace.

“Adam and Eve may have brought unrest and disorder, but by His grace, God made a way to restore rest and peace through Christ.”

(from Hope Has Come, The Daily Grace Co., page 46)

The study asks: In what ways do you feel a lack of peace today? How does knowing that God will restore peace comfort you in today’s world of unrest?

Some days, I feel a lack of peace as I watch or hear the news. Or maybe it is a sense of anxiety. Then I remind myself:

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3, NLT)

Let’s keep our thoughts fixed on Jesus and experience His peace!

~*~*~

Mid week our reading was Luke 2:1-14.

It seems this year more than ever, we keep hearing of a lack of peace in the world. As countries turn on one another, we hear of peace negotiations frequently.

The reading reminds us peace has come and it has come through the person and birth of Jesus Christ.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14, NIV)

God’s peace rests on those who have come to know Jesus, for those are whom God’s favor rests.We experience the peace of Jesus in the midst of the troubling circumstances around us.

To reflect the peace of God:

“We must let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts as we draw near to God in prayer and remain in His Word. Daily we are to walk by the Spirit, relying on His power to produce the fruit of peace.”

(from Hope Has Come, The Daily Grace Co., page 54)

The study asks: How can we sing of God’s peace during Christmas time with hope?

Even before I read the question, I found myself humming a song:  “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin in me!”

May God’s peace begin in each of us and be poured out on those around us!

~*~*~

We closed this week of focusing on peace with reading Revelation 21.

When peace is absent all around us, we can still have peace within us.

The study encourages us to look ahead, to remember we have a future peace.

Whenever we have had to face a difficulty, a challenge, a surgery, etc. my mom had a wonderful way of framing it. She would remind us that “This time tomorrow, this will be behind us.” Or whatever the length of time should be – whether it be “this time next week”, or “next month”. It always helped us to remember there was a time limit to the struggle.

Our struggles and painful situations have an expiration date!

As you read Revelation 21, notice there is a day and kingdom coming which will have harmony, abundance, justice, righteousness, and fullness of peace.

The study asks: How can the future peace to come encourage you when the present is difficult?

~*~*~

We can have perfect peace
as we let His peace rule in our hearts,
and remember our struggles have an expiration date.

 

Photo 1: by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash
Photo 2:  by Isabela Kronemberger on Unsplash

Today I may be joining … Tell His Story and InstaEncouragements .