Christ: The Treasure of Our HeartsSample

As we read through the Scriptures, I believe our heavenly Father desires for each of His children to experience His inner peace in such a way that life's painful and stressful circumstances will not overcome us.

Would you agree that peace often seems impossible to achieve? For those who are struggling with anxiety, discouragement, and stress, the longing for peace can seem like something completely unattainable. As we can easily see throughout our world today, there are those who desire to bring pain and destruction to as many people as possible.

May the words of King Solomon, as shared in Proverbs 12:20, encourage us today as we focus our hearts and minds on the promises of God when he writes, “Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.”

The Scriptures offer believers the assurance that despite the evil around us, we can have the joy and peace of Christ. In Psalm 119:165, David writes, “Great peace have those who love Your law.”

Indeed, it is possible for us as believers to experience the peace and harmony the Bible describes. Like David, we can have lasting inner peace, even right in the middle of our difficult and often dangerous circumstances, as we remain conscious of God’s presence with us, no matter what He allows to come our way.

The prophet Isaiah also offers us a picture of the price our peace cost Jesus as he shares in Isaiah 53:5, “But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and by His wounds, we are healed.”3

The gospel proclaims God's never-ending love and grace that He would send Jesus to become one of us, as the Lamb of God who would, in fact, take our sins away – forever! Hallelujah!

So many people may celebrate the festivities of the Christmas Season but have no idea of the peace, hope, and assurance that Jesus offers us. But, for us as His children, He is truly God’s gift to us. Merry Christmas!

Prayer

Almighty God, our hearts rejoice in your amazing, never-ending love for us! We are truly blessed by the grace you freely offer us in Jesus! Therefore, as we celebrate the Advent Season this year, we pray for the peace of Christ to truly abide deep within our hearts so that others may see and experience your presence because you reside in us. Lord, we also pray that you will help us to stay true to the Scriptures as we share the wonderful promises of the Gospel message of hope and peace! Until you come, we faithfully proclaim, Amen and Amen!

Robert Carpenter, D.Min. serves as a part-time assistant professor for the Regent University School of Divinity.