John 14:27New International Version (NIV)
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I
give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts
be troubled and do not be afraid.
This time of year can be very stressful. We worry about so
many things, especially things that we have no control over. But we don’t have
to. God promises us His peace. I sometimes worry about things that are
happening in my life, my kids, my job, my career, and finances. I would really
worry about the kids and finances around the holidays. I bought into the hype
of the commercialism. Now we know the real reason for the season and even
though I still sometimes struggle with these things, I’m not as bad as I used
to be. Now when I feel the worry coming on I don’t let it overcome instead I
turn to the Word of God and I speak it over my life. The peace I feel after
talking to God is unmistakable and indescribable. I just feel all the weight
lifted off. That peace only comes from God. Nothing and no one else in this
world can give you that kind of peace.
I encourage you today
to not let this season stress or worry you. Instead enjoy your family and
Jesus. Time with them is the most precious gift. My birthday is Christmas Eve,
and I can’t imagine a better place to be than at church for our Christmas Eve
candlelight service. That’s the best gift I’ve ever gotten.
