The Peace of Jesus

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Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

We have now officially made the turn into the Christmas season. Vicki has made sure that the Christmas tree is up, decorations are placed around the house and a little special décor is outside. I haven’t been able to hang any lights yet, but it may come before Christmas!

As I drive around town, I have seen some homes decorated so beautifully. From the lights on the houses to the decorations in the yard it has really been great to see. I really believe that people have gone all out for this season.

Yet in the midst of this time there are many that are going through times that are causing them struggles. It seems to me that every day seems to bring something new in our lives that cause us to experience issues that cause us strife.

Hearts are hurting because of loss people have experienced. I know the struggle for me has been getting tougher and tougher. I know that in recent days part of my issue has been because I have been unable to come alongside people who are struggling. I really just wanted to be there for them.

While I have been unable to be there for each and every one, God has opened some doors for me to walk with some that are going through these tough times. It is my prayer that soon I will be where I need to be so that I can come alongside those who are experiencing their difficult time.

The one thing that seems to be missing in this time is peace. Yet in Luke 2:14 when the angels appeared to the shepherds when Christ was born they said, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Our God is still the One that can and will bring peace into our lives. We just have to let Him into our lives.

I know it can be difficult because I have experienced times when peace was hard to find. Yet when I turned to the Lord in prayer and surrendered to Him, He brought the peace that I needed.

In Phil. 4:6-7, Paul wrote to the church in Philippi and said -- 6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

No, Paul didn’t say that there would never be trials and troubles in our lives. He said that the ‘peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ In the midst of these days God’s peace will be there for us as we face this thing we call life.

In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled nor let it be fearful.” I believe we need to hear the words that Jesus spoke while sharing with the disciples. In these times in which we are living we need His peace.

So as you go through the coming days, please remember that even in the midst of your greatest trial, Jesus is there to bring His peace to you. So trust Him to walk with you through your dark valley and lead you into His presence where His peace will give you the rest you desire.

JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, there IS something about that name!!

Christ only, always,

Bro. Paul

Brother Paul Nachtigall is the preacher at Highland Baptist Church. He can be reached at bropaul@centramedia.net.