Where Is My Peace?
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
ME: If You really are the Prince of Peace, why aren’t You giving me any?
JESUS: You sound really frustrated.
ME: I am! I went Christmas shopping on a rainy Tuesday afternoon thinking the stores would be empty. There weren’t that many people, but it seemed none of them spoke much English and they were arguing in other languages, pushing and shoving. One woman actually hit me with her cart and glared at me as if I was the problem.
JESUS: So, what did you do?
ME: I smiled (on the outside only), stepped back and motioned her to keep bulldozing her way down the aisle. Then I bought two things for myself and went home.
JESUS: You gave up shopping for others?
ME: Not really, I am best friends with Amazon. They let me shop in peace.
JESUS: What if I told you that the woman who thoughtlessly ran into you had just lost her mother in an accident and she quickly needed a black dress for mourning? Would that change anything?
ME: (Sighing loudly!) Oh, You know it would. But she was just one of many whom I decided were lacking in good manners.
JESUS: My child, what you did was half right—you smiled. The other part was short-sighted. In the Bible that you read daily, Matthew wrote these words: Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. And Luke said: And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
ME: I guess I really didn’t do such a great job did I? I do want to feel peace and I know that You are the source but it’s like my vision is distorted or hazy. I sort of see You but not quite. How do I get to You especially during this time?
JESUS: I am not in a place. I am all around you, but you are way too busy and stressed to sit at my manger and gaze at the greatest miracle of all time.
ME: What am I missing here?
JESUS: I do not carry a magic wand. You must make a decision to leave busy and stress behind and then desire to sit in My Presence more than anything else. In the now moment you will find Me and this is where I give My Peace.
ME: I want that more than anything!
JESUS: Prove it—come sit with Me.