2021 Advent Devotional: In the Midst of Changing Ways – Many Gifts, One Spirit
Week 3: The Gift of Love
Scripture: Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Reflector: Pastor Stephanie Moffitt
How do we find peace?
In Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” we hear that peace…the peace of God…is somehow beyond our understanding.
So, how do we find it?
Maybe…we aren’t supposed to.
This verse also tells us that God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds…but the words of scripture here don’t say anything about finding peace. In fact, there’s an implication that God’s peace exists regardless of our ability to find it…this verse has nothing to do with anything we have control over. Except the part about our hearts and minds, and the fact that God’s peace actually, truly, is already part of our lives.
Maybe instead of thinking we need to find peace, this verse remind us that we need to accept God’s peace and the Holy presence of it in our lives.
Advent is a season of waiting…but instead of waiting for God’s peace these days, let us remember to look for peace, joy, and love all around us.
Prayer: Peace of God With Us, You come to us unexpectedly. Prepare the way for peace with justice. May peace be birthed within us and through us this Advent. Amen.