Advent Devotional: Day 9

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubles, neither let them be afraid.”  John 14:27 ESV

Jesus knew our hearts would be troubled and He knew fear was at the root of it. History shows us why fear is so strong.  Division, hate, unspeakable acts of violence all bring trouble to our hearts. There is nothing new in our world. Peace in and of the world is temporary. That is why Jesus tells us “not as the world gives.”

How do we find peace in a noisy world?  And really what does that mean?

I love sitting on my back porch with my morning coffee. I especially love this time before the world stirs. The quietness just brings me a closeness to God that is indescribable.  This is peace.  No distractions except the occasional chipmunk playing or bird singing. A front row seat to hear from my creator.  Oh my soul craves this time.

And then the world starts stirring and the noise starts. The moment of peace lingers but the silence is broken, very much like our world. Peace like Jesus is talking about is a continued closeness to Him. It is a calmness despite the noise of the world.

When your peace is distant, find a moment to connect with you creator. If only taking your eyes off the world and setting them on Him for a minute. It breaks that noise the world creates.

Look around you for the “green pastures He makes you lie down in”.  Where do you find peace?  Does it provide rest?  Strength?  Is it temporary?