Peace for Your Anxious Mind
One of the many things I enjoy most about Christmas is the festive decorations. I’m sure I’m not alone—feel free to share in the comments if you love them, too! While I truly enjoy the sight of them, I must admit, I’m not a fan of putting them up or taking them down. In my home, the decorations—and especially the tree—become my responsibility to haul out and set up. And every year, as I’m doing it, I wonder where my kids are hiding. Despite not enjoying the process, I can’t help but admire how beautiful our house looks with the decorations in place. Once they’re gone, the house never feels quite the same.
As I was admiring the decorations this year, I noticed a recurring theme: the word “peace.” It’s everywhere—in our ornaments, on coffee mugs, in the patterns of our wrapping paper, on stockings, and even on those special decorative pillows we bring out just for the season. Yet, the abundance of this word prompts an important question: why is it that we see the word “peace” all around us, but so often struggle to feel it within ourselves?
This struggle is particularly ironic when you consider that Jesus promised us His peace. In the Gospel of John (14:27), He reassures His disciples: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” This peace, as Jesus describes it, is not just any peace—it’s a heavenly peace that surpasses human understanding. However, in our fast-paced, anxiety-filled world, it often feels more natural to experience worry than rest, fear rather than calm.
If you’ve ever wondered why this happens, the answer may lie in the overwhelming barrage of negative news and daily stresses. From global conflicts to personal financial struggles, it seems like there’s always something to worry about. In addition, our daily routines can become so packed with obligations—like navigating family dynamics, keeping up with holiday traditions, or dealing with unexpected challenges—that finding peace feels almost impossible.
But here’s the truth: peace isn’t just a distant ideal. It’s a promise from Jesus, a gift we can experience even in the midst of life’s chaos. His peace is not dependent on circumstances or fleeting comforts; it’s grounded in His presence and truth. As we reflect on the meaning of Advent—a season long observed by Christians to prepare their hearts for Jesus’ coming—we’re reminded that the peace He offers is real, present, and available to us now. By trusting in Him, allowing His Word to renew our minds, and leaning into His Spirit, we can find the rest and reassurance our hearts long for, even in today’s world.
