The Christmas season often brings added chaos. There are family tensions, financial strains, loneliness, and busyness that can easily steal our peace. If you feel stressed and anxious this holiday season, you're not alone. We all long for peace, but it can feel out of reach.
In Philippians 4, the apostle Paul shares how we can experience God's supernatural peace even when life feels chaotic. He writes, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV).
This promise of peace is not just a nice sentiment. Paul knew real hardship, being shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned, and eventually martyred for his faith. Yet he testifies to deep peace in the midst of turmoil.
So how can we lay hold of this peace? Here are a few key takeaways from Paul's words:
Bring your anxieties to God in prayer. Don't let them pile up unchecked. Talk to Jesus about the specifics weighing on you—He cares. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7 NIV).
Cultivate thankfulness, even when life feels hard. Gratitude shifts our focus from anxiety to blessing. As the old hymn says, "Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done."
Remember, you're not alone. Jesus promised his peace and presence with us always (John 14:27). He upholds you with his "righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10 NLT).
Peace is a gift only God can give. We don't manufacture it through perfect circumstances. We receive it as we give anxieties over to Christ in prayer, lift grateful hearts to our Father, and rely on the presence of Jesus with us through it all. He is the Prince of Peace. And his peace is available to you today.