“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace” Psalm 29:11 NIV
SEEK HIM: Devotion is Meeting with God in Our Own Lives!
Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble,” and even in the best of times like Christmas, life can be challenging. However, God gives us a special gift, for in the same verse Jesus also said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have PEACE” (John 16:33 NIV). Jesus came to bring peace, so, in this conversation, let’s “Seek Him” about His gift of PEACE. (We encourage you to start by listening to this podcast introduction about “The Gift of Peace” by listening HERE.)
WHAT: What is God saying through this Scripture?
God gives His people so many, many gifts, including, as our key verse says, the gift of peace. This peace – or “shalom” as the ancient Hebrews called it – is God’s blessing for those who belong to Him. His peace is not just an occasional experience when life is good; it’s His gift of completeness and wholeness throughout our lives. ~ According to our key Scripture, who receives the gift of peace from God? Are you one of God’s people? Is there a certain place in your life where you need God’s peace today?
WHY: Why does this Scripture matter?
The world teaches us that peace is the absence of problems; God’s Word teaches us that peace is God’s gift in spite of problems. Jesus promised: “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” (John 14:27 NIV). God’s gift of peace is ours to unwrap, keep and enjoy, no matter what life brings our way. ~ What’s the hardest thing you have gone through? What does Jesus say about this? How might you trust Him and experience His peace in the midst of a hard circumstance?
HOW: How does God want us to respond to this truth?
Scripture says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the PEACE of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV). Instead of fixating on the hard things, God wants us to talk to Him about these then receive His gift of peace. ~ What do we have to give to God in order to receive His gift of peace? Is there something making you anxious or afraid right now that we can pray for you to have God’s peace in? When difficulties come in the future, what gift does God promise to continue to give you?
SPEAK HIM: Discipleship is Making God Known to Others!
One of God’s beautiful promises to those who “Seek Him” is: “All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace” (Isaiah 54:13 NIV). As we learn to unwrap God’s gift of peace in our own lives, others can learn from our example. This Christmas and always, let’s be sure that we are being taught by the Lord, spending time with Him, seeking Him. As He fills us with more of His peace and presence, then our loved ones can experience His peace, too!
