PEACE: A Calling

What is your emotional temperature at the end of a momentous time of celebration? I’m talking about a birthday, a wedding or anniversary celebration. Perhaps you’ve joined a loved one in celebrating a college graduation. Christmas 2025 is now in our rear-view mirror. Hopefully, falling prey to the madcap end-of-year commercialism is not a source of doldrums for you now. Around December 29th,  or just after New Year’s Day each year, do you experience a kind of emotional or a spiritual slump of sorts? The holiday leave has ended (if you have not retired), the presents have all been opened, and the festivities have suddenly “wrapped.” Now it’s time to return to the normal weekly routine! 

Be encouraged, dear reader, but know that the gift of His promised peace is not automatically enjoyed. Seeking peace can sometimes require our chasing it down, as the Amplified Bible states Psalm 34:14. The verse implies action on our part! If we want to enjoy His peace, we must pursue harmony in all our relationships—as much as relies upon us [Romans 8:18]. In our determined pursuit of peace, we cannot be cavalier about shunning all evil in our thoughts and behavior. Remember, Christ’s standards of righteousness in thought and deeds are so much higher than ours, so don’t hesitate to be immediate in confessing to the Lord any transgressions. All I’m encouraging, dear reader, is that we aim daily to live in His presence; if we do, only then can we be confident that His promised peace will be ours to enjoy throughout this new year.

PRAYER: Father, may we take Your words concerning the prerequisites for our well-being as
seriously as You do. What You have spoken, that You will do; what You have promised, that You will fulfill. Thank You, LORD—Amen!
By Sis. Denise Diggs