The Lord . . . proclaims peace to his people 

Peace

Isn’t that what we all long for?   Peace in our world, peace in our nation, peace in our families.   Many of us would be happy if we could just have peace at the end of a long day!   But life isn’t always peaceful.

Situations outside of our control can make us anxious.   Events that may happen in the future—or that may not happen at all—fill us with a sense of dread.   Even memories of past upsets can cast a dark cloud over our hearts.

We know that Jesus offers us his peace, even in the most difficult of circumstances.   But it can still seem elusive.   The truth is, peace is hard to come by.   Just ask any foreign diplomat or parent of a teenager.   You have to work at it.   It doesn’t just descend on you magically; you have to pursue it, and then hold tight onto it when you find it.

So when you begin to feel uneasy or anxious, know that this is your cue to get to work.   Don’t let yourself give in to the worrisome thoughts that spring into your mind.   Take a deep breath instead, and try to focus your attention on Jesus.   Picture him standing in front of you with arms open wide.   Gaze into his eyes, and tell him what is making you uneasy.   Be honest about your concerns and how they are troubling you.   Ask him to help you find peace in his promises or in his presence with you.

Then, listen.

Try to sense what Jesus may want to say to you.   Perhaps just a single word, like “trust” or “forgive,” comes to mind.   Maybe it’s an inner sense that helps you believe that God can bring good out of a difficult situation.   Or maybe you get an idea of what your next step should be.   If what you sense makes you feel more peaceful, follow it.

And if you don’t feel more peaceful, try your best to continue on.   Believe that Jesus is with you, even if you don’t feel his presence.   Tell yourself that he will never abandon you.   Trust that his perfect love will cast out all fear.

In time, it will.

word among us