(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
John 14:27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.”
Take a moment to consider a time when you were in an environment with a lot of tension. Maybe the tension was due to a relational conflict. Or perhaps there wasn’t a relational conflict but the anxiousness of others seemed to impact everybody else. The anxiousness of others slowly began to impact others.
We’ve all experienced this scenario on some level. And it reveals an important principle. A principle which is easy to understand when it comes to finances or personal possessions, yet may be neglected or forgotten when it comes to the Advent themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
Key Principle: We cannot give others what we do not possess.
Let’s personalize this principle around the topic of Peace: You cannot help others experience peace if you are not living in a state of peace. Similarly, you cannot lead others to the true source of peace if you’re continually trying to find it elsewhere.
READING & PRAYERS:
JOHN 14:27 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: In what area(s) of life are you currently experiencing a lack of peace?
DIGGING DEEPER: Why do you think you have a lack of peace in these areas of your life? (e.g., Are you trying to find peace in what you do? What you have? What others think about you?) What would it look like for you to begin seeking peace from the true source – Jesus?
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I recognize that I cannot give to others what I cannot possess. Reveal to me any additional areas of my life that may not be at peace. I pray that You would do a mighty work in these areas of my life. Refine me, so I may experience the kind of peace only You can provide. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
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