Peace Always Within Reach

In times of striving and conflict, one cannot help but imagine a future day of respite and harmony. And when the world is marked by international turmoil, cries for peace radiate around the world. The spouse, children, and parents of the soldier serving in the thick of the battle long for nothing more than to be reunited with their loved one, waiting earnestly for his or her return.

The season of Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ. Scripture depicts how God’s people yearned for centuries for the promised Messiah and describes the day when the Deliverer will return in final victory over the powers of darkness and strife. Advent celebrates the coming of Christ in three senses: We remember the consummate joy of His nativity in Bethlehem as the hosts of heaven called out, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased” (Luke 2:14 NLT). We treasure His coming into our hearts, prevailing over sin and reconciling us to God the Father (2 Corinthians 5:18). Lastly, we rejoice in the confidence that Jesus will one day return in final triumph. The book of Revelation conjures the blessed hope of His Second Coming, prophesying the day of His return:

Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him—even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen! (Revelation 1:7)

Indeed, Christ will come again, riding on the billows of heaven in victory for all to behold. Even those who rejected Him will encounter His splendor and weep in the sight of His surpassing glory.

Although war, heartache, and everyday hardships may linger, there is hope amid strife. The season of striving will pass. While serenity may seem to elude us as circumstances weigh down on us, the peace of Christ—the One who has come, has entered our hearts, and will one day return—is always within reach. The rule of the everlasting Prince of Peace extends throughout the world, over the oppressed and their oppressors, for all time (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Lord, may Your unfaltering peace rule in our hearts today. We pray for those in the throes of war and distress and their loved ones who share their turmoil. Instill in us again the confidence of Your everlasting rule and fill us with the overcoming freedom of Your presence.

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.