Please pass this along to anyone that is troubled by the state our world is in.
Peace does not mean we stick our heads in the sand. Peace does not mean we are without responsibility and permitted to give up. Peace IS what comes to us despite our situation... because Someone gives us peace.
I want to share with you a prayer that can bring you this peace. The prayer is at the end of this post.
At Christmas, Isaiah 9:6-7 is often quoted. The prophet Isaiah revealed that Someone would come into the world. This passage includes names, descriptions, and genealogical information about This Someone. And, this passage reveals WHO will send this Someone.
One of the names is Prince of Peace.
There's hardly a sound bite in our news today that doesn't raise our blood pressure. If peace happens to be mentioned, it is typically combined with words that express a lack of peace.
Take a deep breath and allow me tell you about The Someone I know.
In John 16:33, Jesus said these words:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
The story arc of the world will take us toward entropy and a lack of peace. But in the face of this our Hero of the story has a a different plan. Jesus' plan for you is to find Him, learn what He thinks about you, and develop trust in Him. In Isaiah we learn that His government will not end. Nations on our planet will rise and fall, but Jesus will always be on the job.
If you are troubled by the state of the world, I earnestly encourage you to pray this prayer, even if you belong to a different faith system.
Jesus,
I've heard that you are called the Prince of Peace and offer peace to anyone who asks for it. I admit that I don't know you as the Prince of Peace. At this moment, my mind is filled with troubling things that make my heart pound. I don't want to feel this way anymore.
I want to experience your peace. The world I'm in feels like it's falling apart and I'm pretty nervous about the state of things. Jesus, please put a pause on all of this stress and come into my heart to show me your peace. Please show me your peace in a way that I will definitely know that it's you. I really want to know you and learn your ways, because I want your peace with me all the time.
And Jesus, if there's anything between us that is blocking this peace you want to give me -- please just tell me. Bring it to mind so we can address it. I don't want anything to stand in the way to you and your peace.
Amen
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