A Prayer for Peace on Earth
By Tiffany Thibault/p>
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!’" - Luke 2:13-14.
Peace. This world desperately craves for us all to live in peace. “Why can’t we all just get along?” We say, hoping that someday in the future, things will be different and that there will be peace among people. This longing has been going on for so many years, yet somehow it isn’t happening. Generation after generation faces dictators, war, pain, racism, stress, and chaos in society. Families are falling apart, and respect for others has diminished as people get more vocal, angrier, and more reactive.
The worse news that we hear, the more that we see evil prevailing, the more intense our longing for peace on earth. Writers have written of Utopia and movies have been made of it. Social and educational programs have been integrated into our lives to try to make an impact. However, we see over and over again that though we might make a few steps forward, we are not able to create that peace on earth that we so desperately crave.
As winter descends upon us, I love the softness, the hush of snow falling. It brings great peace to my heart. I also love to hear the Christmas song with these powerful words: “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail. With peace on Earth, good will to men.” Those words mirror the words found in this Bible verse: “and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” (I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day)
Our Bible verse does tell us that we can have peace on earth. That peace, though, cannot be found in social programs or simply adjusting our attitudes or lifestyle. That peace on earth is also not given to every person and can’t be taught or integrated into our sinful culture, which is why there isn’t peace among men.
Obtaining the peace that this verse promises, requires a complete heart change. God promises to give peace here on earth among those who love Him, who live for Him, and who absolutely trust Him for every facet of their lives. God's not dead, and He is not distant. He is here. He is near, longing to bring you peace. As we turn over our hearts and lives to Him, He pours out His peace into our hearts and minds. The peace He promises, the peace that He pours into our lives, is not temporary. It is powerful. The Bible tells us that: “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
This peace that God gives us here on earth allows us to travel through the deepest heartache and the painful struggles of our lives, knowing that He is with us. He longs to flood your heart and mind with His perfect peace. Today can you open your heart to Him more, love Him more, and trust Him more? Lasting, life-changing peace on earth is only found in keeping our eyes on the Lord and resting in the knowledge that He is at work in every detail of our lives.
Your life has a powerful purpose as you live for Him. The peace He fills you with will absolutely impact your life and the lives of those around you. This is the only real peace that can be had here on earth. Today, embrace the Lord more and allow His peace to radiate from your life, drawing others closer to the true perfect peace giver that they too can know and receive. May this Christmas season be one of you living fully in the peace that the Lord gives, and may that peace flowing from you be the reason that people turn to the Lord and discover the truth of why we celebrate Christmas as they fall in love with Jesus who is so much more than just a baby in the manger.
Let’s pray:
Dear Lord,
Today I lay before you all my struggles, my heartache, my worry. Fill me with your perfect peace. Please allow your peace to overwhelm me, to impact me, to change my heart and my attitude. Allow your peace to flow through me. Please give me the words to speak with those around me that will leave them wanting your peace as they seek to know you, the perfect peace giver.
In your name, I pray, Amen
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/lei liu
Tiffany Thibault is a Jesus-loving desert girl. She loves to spend time with her college-aged daughters, coffee with friends and taking long walks. She teaches 4th grade and loves to write in her spare time. She is the author of a Bible study and a devotional book. You can connect with her on Instagram.
Editor's Note: We're proud to announce we've just launched a new nighttime companion to Your Daily Prayer: the Your Nightly Prayer devotional. You'll soon be able to subscribe to receive Your Nightly Prayer via email, or as a podcast, but for now you can find it on the website at crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-nightly-prayer. We hope it's a relaxing and soothing way to wind down your day with rich meditations on who God is.
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