God Speaking

“For to us a child is born to us a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

(Isaiah 9: 6)

This Christmas we celebrated the incredible, amazing arrival of the Prince of Peace. This beautiful arrival was forecast by the Prophet Isaiah in a turbulent time, when the children of Israel longed for the long-awaited Messiah to come and bring them the only true peace that only he could give. We, who know and follow Jesus, have received the most incredible of gifts, the gift of peace from the Prince of Peace. 

When Jesus was returning to the Father, he bestowed this gift as a reassuring promise. The disciples were sad and disturbed as Jesus spoke about leaving them, but then he said these beautiful words. 

“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)

Paul reminds all of us that the peace that Jesus surrounds us is not what the world promises, this peace is so heavenly that we humans are unable to understand it’s depth, but we can certainly feel it. 

“And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 7)

Paul uses the word guard, to warn us all, that the world might promise a certain peace, but as Jesus says it will not be the kind, he is promising us. 

One of the best ways to have that beautiful peace is to stay close to the Prince of Peace himself and we can do that by seeking him through reading his word and prayer, staying on the path of truth. 

Isaiah the prophet had learnt from trusting the Heavenly Father, always allowed peace to flow around him and this peace was like no other, it was perfect. 

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26: 3)

The New Year is often the time when new resolutions are made to better us in some way, but Jesus is offering us a much more beautiful resolution.  Trust him and his words and let his peace flow around us. The perfect peace.