As we are turning the corner on the holidays what is the state of your heart and mind? Are you anticipating this season with joy or do you find yourself a bit overwhelmed with anxious thoughts of everything on your to-do list? Troubled by recent news? Weighted by trying to keep things in balance all year long.
The holidays can lend itself to a mixed bag of emotions. Despite all the things we have to be grateful, the gathering of friends and families can leave us feeling worn and empty when we fail to set our focus on the proper things. There is something about seeing others that can stir up in ourselves that evil wind of comparison and thoughts of why am I not doing more. For the single girl, thoughts of why am I not married yet can rear its ugly head, although it’s been silent all these other times. Not to mention, the inquiring minds of relatives asking well-meaning questions that you would just assume avoid.
Whether our holidays are spent quietly or surrounded by people, we can enjoy the gift that Jesus left to us. John 14:17 says,
I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 NLT
While the stores are advertising their Black Friday and Pre-Black Friday deals so that we can get all of our holiday shopping done, I wonder how much time do we truly focus on the gifts we already have in our possession. I appreciate a good sale as much as the next person, in fact, I’m hoping to get some deals myself but when I read that passage from John 14:27, I can’t help but think about the many times I have left the gift of peace unwrapped while I fretted.
Did my fretting negate the fact that Jesus gave you and I the gift of peace? NO! As with any gift, it is up to the recipient to decide if they will accept the gift and make full use of it.
My hope for you is that whether your family gathering goes off without a hitch as planned or you find yourself digging through the messy places of life during this holiday season that you are able to unwrap and hold to God’s gift of peace. I’m learning that this gift of peace does not mean that we always abide in circumstances that naturally evoke a tranquil state of peace of mind and heart. In fact, the winds of life might be blowing hard and rocking our sacred personal lifeboats. But we do not have to let winds around us snuff out the truth in our mind and heart to which we hold anchor.
May I pray for you, friend.
Lord, thank you for your gift of peace that is available to us even in the midst of troubling times. For you are far better to us than we ever deserve. We can spend all of our allotted days on earth and never fully unpack all that you have given to us through you gift of your son Jesus. But we want to do a better job of it. Help us to understand and to access all that you have made available to us through Jesus. Amen.
Great reminder, Wanda. All too often I get caught up in the *hubbub* and find myself anything but peaceful! This holiday season I am focusing on The Gift, the Lord Jesus Christ – our Prince of Peace!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! May it be filled with faith, family, friends, fellowship…OK, and lots and lots of food!
GOD BLESS!
Oh yes, we can’t forget the good food Sharon 🙂 Seriously, as I have been working through this study of the names of God the Prince of Peace has been our focus for this week and I have been reminded of just how much we have given in the gift of Jesus. Hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving Sharon.
Wonderful, life-giving words, Wanda! I appreciate this post so much. May God bless you with a peace-filled Christmas, too. 🙂 Sending you much love, my friend.
Cheryl Smith recently posted..The Inner Views of Dr. Alveda King
Thank you Cheryl. Hope you and your family enjoyed a peace-filled Thanksgiving.
Have a wonderful holiday, Wanda! <3
Hi Elizabeth. Hope you enjoyed a great Thanksgiving.
“I can’t help but think about the many times I have left the gift of peace unwrapped while I fretted.” I have been guilty of this myself, Wanda. But I find that as a grow older I realize anew the futility of it and recognize it as just one more way Satan tries to steal our peace.
Pam recently posted..Happy Thanksgiving!
He is so crafty in the little ways he tries to steal our peace. The more I have been focused on reading passages about peace I’m realizing that I can choose another default. Hope you enjoyed a Happy Thanksgiving Pam.
AMEN! It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. I want to remain in His peace and offer peace to others.
Barbie recently posted..The Favor Of The Lord: Not To Be Confused With “The Easy Life” // A Weekend Whispers Guest Post
It’s a struggle I’m all to familiar with myself Barbie. I hope you are able to enjoy all the seasons brings while embracing His peace.
This was JUST what I needed today! Thank you for the beautiful prayer, for the wise words and the gentle reminder that these fruits of His Spirit are to be unwrapped and put to use.
Blessings!
Dawn
Dawn recently posted..When Emptied Grace leads to Gratefulness….
So glad to hear that these words spoke to you today Dawn. May Christ’s peace permeate your heart and home this season.
You share such a holy grit and wisdom here;
thank you for stirring the gratitude in my heart
and tweaking my perspective as needed:)
-Jennifer
Jennifer Richardson recently posted..Tender and true….
We all can use a change of perspective from time to time. Have a blessed week Jennifer.
Hi Wanda! Your blog design is really pretty 🙂
Thank you for your good wishes and your good word here too. I know that the key to peace is to hold on to it in hard times, and that’s always when I falter. Thank you Lord for my faith, without it I’d be tossed across the waves for sure.
You are so right about hanging in there with the Lord when the winds blow our boat all over the place. There is a reason for it all, and I’ll come up stronger and more joyful if I can stay in love and peace.
Have a wonderful Christmas season, and may you always feel His peace,
Ceil
Thank you Ceil for the compliment. It’s great that we have faith as an anchor during the many seasons of our life. I know that I’m grateful that it always manages to pull be back in when I find myself floating. Blessings and joy to you and yours!
bless you dear
Have a wonderful week Denise
Blessings….
Actually for me I try to hold peace with me, its what keeps me for flying apart when things outside of my control happens. I keep God in my thoughts at all times and at the end of the day I find something to be grateful and thankful for. Are things perfect, No. Are things as I will like it to ultimately to be, NO. Are there things to be done, left undone, may not be done, yes. I am happy and thankful anyway.
peace.
Rhapsody
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Rhapsody recently posted..LOVE-REAL OR COUNTERFEIT?
A great attitude to have Rhapsody. May you continue to abide in my sister.
Wanda, I can’t tell you how much it means to be reminded of these words. Just know that they are needed and I greatly appreciate you. May you be abundantly blessed and the desires of your heart be granted.
LaVonne recently posted..The Banner
Ahh thanks LaVonne. Always a blessing to hear from you.
Thanks for visiting my blog. I love returning the visit to discover a beautiful, well-written post on peace. The peace of God is such a blessing that I am truly grateful for!
My pleasure to find new blogs Ginger. May you enjoy the peace and joy of the season.
What a beautiful reminder Wanda, and what a lovely online home you have! Thank you for sharing your sweet words of hope and peace!
Thank you Ellen! Pleasure to have you stop by. Wishing you and yours a peaceful and joyful holiday season.
Beautiful! Feel like my soul was watered well today!
Beth Herring recently posted..Do we want an encounter ?
It’s always great to know that we have used to refresh others. Blessings and joy to you Beth!