Advent Devotional Day 10

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

It’s hard to think of peace when our world is so violent. According to the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights there are, at the time of this writing:

In the Middle East and North Africa: More than 45 armed conflicts.

In Africa: More than 35 armed conflicts.

In Asia: 21 armed conflicts

In Europe: 7 armed conflicts.

In Latin America: 6 armed conflicts.

With wars raging on the outside, we can also have war within. Many times, we wrestle with difficult choices – continuing a pregnancy when the world tells us to abort; reporting a colleague who has done wrong when the world tells us to look the other way; to forgive others when the world says, “never forgive.”

How can we have peace with the world as it is? Peace is not a life free of stress or worry. No one has a problem-free life. The peace of God is an ongoing state of mind, born from studying God’s Word, daily prayer and fellowship with fellow Christians. It comes from the knowledge that God is always with us. He will never leave us. We can be assured that, whatever comes, everything will work out for our good. (Romans 8:28)

Paul was correct when he wrote that the peace of God is beyond all human understanding, repeat – human understanding. God’s way of thinking and our way of thinking are poles apart (Isaiah 55:8-9). Angels spoke of peace on earth that long ago night when Jesus was born. It may not seem like it now, but when Jesus returns, war will be no more.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace – not just earthly peace but inward peace also.

Dear God, help us to remember that we can take everything to You in prayer and, in return, we will have peace in our souls. Amen. ~ Roberta Nylen