Surpassing Peace
by: Nicola Bartel
Here we are on the brink of another new year, and as we continue with all Covid unknowns, divisions within our communities, families and economic uncertainty, will you pause (Selah) and take a look back with me this advent season?
This week we light the advent candle of peace.
Can you imagine what it was like for the shepherds in the fields that night? Waiting and wondering if the Messiah would come; desperate to be rescued from the chaos, oppression and power that dominated their land? I imagine they would have their doubts, discouragement and even perhaps a sense of despair. But God! All of a sudden, in the night sky came a great light, an angel. They were terrified. Naturally we all would be, at least I know I would be. But the angel reassured them saying, “Do not be afraid. For I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has heard! And it is for everyone everywhere!” (TPT Luke 2:10) The angel went on to tell them where the Messiah was and that He was a baby wrapped in cloth to be found in a feeding trough. When they arrived, a host of angels appeared and proclaimed: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!” (Luke 2:14 NKJV)
What a beautiful proclamation given to the shepherds who were full of fear and discouragement. I love that these humble shepherds were the first to arrive and to hear and see the fulfilment of the coming Messiah. I love that Jesus came humbly, quietly and as a gentle, pure and peace filled baby. He is the prince of peace, mighty God, everlasting Father.
Perhaps you are needing His peace today. This good news is for everyone, everywhere. He offers us peace and a strategy to that peace. Consider Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is focused on You because he trusts in You.” Sometimes it helps me if I personalize this verse and insert my name as I meditate on it. Will you turn down all that distracts you from him this season and settle into the peace that he offers - the supernatural peace that surpasses all our understanding? Perhaps for you it is turning down the news that upsets you, or at least limit the time you give to watching. Perhaps it is carving out uninterrupted space to let Him come and bring you comfort. Will you put your trust in Him? He is God, He has come, He will come, and He brings peace.
I will close with a famous prayer that I love! It is the prayer of Francis of Assisi.
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt; faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; and Where there is sadness, joy.
Divine Master; Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved and to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.”
Nicola serves as the Executive Director of Mercy Canada, overseeing Christ-centered program services for women dealing with issues such as eating disorders, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and addictions. Mercy Canada is a safe atmosphere where women can heal from their pain and discover their true identity in Christ.