Happy New Year Moran Park!
I don’t know about you, but Christmas feels like a long time ago! It’s amazing how quickly Christmas happens, and then we move on to the new things that January brings. I had a friend text me the other day what seemed like a simple question – “Are you at peace?” I got my thumbs ready for a reply and thought to myself, “How do I answer that?” It wasn’t as easy as I thought. Some days I do feel at peace. Other days, not so much. In some things there is great peace, and in other things peace seems to be fleeting.
It struck me that we just got done celebrating the birth of Jesus who is the Prince of Peace, who gives peace unlike the world gives; whose peace isn’t dependent upon circumstances, situations, or the stresses of life. Jesus, who is our peace, dwells within us, therefore we always have His peace available no matter what is going on. If that’s true, why could I not quickly text back, “I’m at peace.” I’m sure there are many reasons (of which I’m working out with the Lord) from trying to control things, to worrying about the future, to taking matters into my own hands…just to name a few. That simple text has been an invitation for me to keep turning to the Prince of Peace and to walk in peace no matter what my day brings.
I don’t know what is causing stress, sadness, or chaos in your life currently. Maybe it’s the disappointment of things not being how you want them to be in your life right now because of choices you’ve made, election results, or COVID. Sometimes that chaos causes us to respond in ways that bring more chaos – to seek revenge, turn to self-destructive behavior, or storm the Capitol building. But peace isn’t found in revenge, in numbing ourselves, or in a government or political party. Peace is only found in Jesus.
As the invitation was extended to me, I extend to you today...as things seem to be getting crazier around us, fix your mind with me on the Prince of Peace and trust in Him to do what he says He will do!
Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
One last thing…a quick testimony. I know it feels different when we are gathering together on Sunday mornings for a variety of reasons, but I want to remind you that the Lord is moving! One guy from MP brought his dad and brother, who are skeptical of Christians and the church, on Sunday and they encountered the Lord. One of them got his knee healed as we started worshiping and was in tears most of the morning because of his encounter with the Lord. God is good. He is faithful. He is moving. He is restoring.
See you Sunday.
Britton
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