HE IS PRINCE OF PEACE
Noelle McDermott
Today's Scripture: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33, ESV
Theme: Believing God provides peace, even through difficulties and pain.
DROWNING
As Thanksgiving passed, I felt the pressure begin to build. I grew irritated more easily. The thought of having another thing to do led me to tears. Then December began. I didn’t feel like taking care of myself. I simply wanted to stay in bed all day. As I lay there, I realized anxiety had crept back into my life. How could I remember “the Reason for the season” when I could barely bring myself to get up?
Meditating on Jesus often feels impossible when the Christmas season also comes with busyness, painful memories, and grief. In my head, I knew God was meeting me in my struggle, but I couldn’t guess what He was trying to say.
DISCOVERING
During this period, I read Psalm 34:17-20. I encourage you to read the whole passage, but I want to highlight verse 19 (ESV), “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” This verse clearly states that we will face afflictions (and even says there will be many!), but the Lord will deliver us. Read the verse again. God doesn’t promise to deliver us out of some afflictions. He promises to deliver us out of every single one.
After reading this Scripture, I compared what my feelings told me versus what His Word said. I read those verses, but couldn’t believe them, because my circumstances convinced me otherwise. Are His promises actually trustworthy? Because of Jesus’s birth, we can have confidence that they are.
DELIVERING
Jesus is the fulfillment of every promise from the Lord. From the moment that humanity sinned, God had orchestrated His redemptive plan through Jesus. He fulfilled hundreds of Old Testament prophecies, and every promise God has given us. Though God does not need to prove Himself, Jesus’s stepping into humanity is the ultimate proof of God’s trustworthiness. His birth meant He would suffer on the cross and restore our relationship with God—just as He promised. He will do what He says He will.
Make It Personal: Read over today’s Scripture passages. Write them on a sticky note or turn them into your phone’s wallpaper. If you struggle to believe that God provides supernatural peace, memorize these Scriptures. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of who God was, is, and always will be.
Pray: God, I feel this disconnect between Your truth and my feelings. Help me to believe You fully. Though my feelings constantly change, You do not. When everything in my life feels as though it is shaking, Your promises don’t waver. Thank you that You have always shown Yourself to be faithful and trustworthy.
Read: Psalm 34:17-20; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Isaiah 25:8; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57
Weekly Memory Verse: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27, ESV