Living Changed: At ChristmasSample

Peace

When you think about the Christmas season, what do you feel? Maybe you’re filled with anticipation, hope, and joy. Or maybe, like so many others, you feel tired, overwhelmed, and stressed. While it’s not unusual to feel anxious this time of year, what God wants for us is peace.

Before his death and resurrection, Jesus promised to give us peace. The trouble is that many of us don’t know how to access it on a daily basis. We know we’re supposed to give our worries to God, but it’s often easier said than done–especially with our biggest worries. For some reason, the heavier the burden is, the more we try to shoulder it alone. Thankfully, in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he offers us some guidance on how to give our burdens to God:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

​​Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

This says that the way we trade anxiety for peace is through prayer. Specifically, with prayers of supplication and thanksgiving. That means when we go to God, we should humbly ask for what we need while thanking Him for what we’ve already been given. But we don’t stop there. As we root out our anxious thoughts, we refill our mind with the things of God. When we pray like this, we may not get the exact answer we’re looking for, but we can trust that God will be faithful to give us peace.

Whatever you’re going through, this passage is meant for you. It says to be anxious for nothing. No-thing. Everything you’re facing right now is included. If your marriage is struggling, be anxious for nothing. If you’re unable to afford gifts this year, be anxious for nothing. If you’re waiting for test results, be anxious for nothing. The holiday stress, tension, and hurt–it’s all included.

God wants to take every bit of anxiety from you and give you peace. Not someday in the future, but now. Just talk to Him. If you don’t know where to begin, start with thanking God for the gift of Jesus and your salvation. For always being by your side and loving you no matter what. Thank Him for His provision, His protection, and every good thing in your life. When you praise God, it has the power to change your perspective. That’s how you access peace in the middle of your struggles.

This Christmas, choose to keep an eternal perspective. Remember the prophecies fulfilled by the birth of Jesus and let God’s faithfulness fill you with hope. Put on the full armor of God every day and let His strength shield you from attacks of the enemy. Look beyond your temporary circumstances and find lasting joy in knowing your eternity is secure. Give God all your worries and trust Him to guard your heart and mind with peace. We can live differently this holiday season if we stay focused on who God is, the promises He’s kept, and the future to come.

We pray God used this plan to minister to your heart.
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