The Gift of Perfect Peace

It’s the best time of the year! But wait—is it? Let’s be honest. I really want it to be. I absolutely love Thanksgiving, and I head into December with the very best intentions, but inevitably, something happens . . .

Turkey Day brings all of our family together for a feast fit for a king. All five senses seem to awaken as we await the bounty prepared before us. I imagine our laughter can be heard for miles as we reacquaint ourselves with family members we haven’t seen in a while. Hugs and kisses are extended to all who enter. The smell of fresh-baked goodness wafts through the air, and we pause to give thanks to the One who has brought us together for another year.

Afterwards, we each find a blanket and snuggle in front of a blazing fire in the Land between the Lakes. If we’re lucky, Papa will get out his guitar to pick and sing us a tune. He usually has a story or two to tell as well. Thomas Kinkade could have used the scene to paint one of his finest creations. We certainly would stay long enough for him to do so, because no one ever wants it to end.

The following morning begins with country ham and homemade biscuits, then we mosey outside on the front porch with coffee in hand to see the cows and horses grazing on the hillside. It’s in these peaceful moments that I have a hint of what God must have meant when he said, “Cease striving and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NASB).

I want to cease striving, God, but down the road, a ruckus called Black Friday, known to usher in the Christmas season, has begun. I admit that I have only entered into this chaos on one occasion, and, due to the near violence of the whole thing, vowed to never do it again. As I reminisced about my outing, the moo of a cow brought me back to reality, or maybe it was my empty coffee cup. I lingered as long as possible.

It’s not easy leaving a peaceful sanctuary. The picturesque setting of my family’s Thanksgiving offered the respite I needed. Yours may be the beach or a walk. Peace lures us because we need it. The second I got in the car, it happened—my thoughts shifted to my to-do list.

What am I going to buy everyone this year?

What am I going to make for Christmas dinner?

Do I send out Christmas cards again?

How am I going to get it all done?

A memory suddenly flooded my mind from the previous year on Christmas morning. I remembered having a deep sadness overtake me.

I worked so hard and just like that, it’s over.

Presents unwrapped, dirty dishes in the sink. Did anyone notice how hard I worked?

Do they appreciate all I did for them?

I’m thankful I’ve learned to snap out of those thoughts pretty quickly. It’s no fun having a pity party on Jesus’s birthday. This caused me to wonder, what could I do differently this year? I decided to shift my perspective.

“Whatever you do, (whatever your task may be) work from the soul (that is, put in your very best effort) as something done for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23 AMP).

It certainly seemed to be a good place to start. If I did something for Jesus, I know I would be on my very best behavior. I would want to do it with excellence, and I surely would not want him to hear me whine about it. I can’t imagine complaining about how tired I am. Would I dare ask if it could wait until the next day? Would the words “I can’t do it” flow from my mouth? I don’t think so. I would work heartily without selfishness or empty conceit. There would be no grumbling or complaining, only praise.

Perspective.

As we enter into this glorious season, lean on God’s word. He tells us not to be worried, but to “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.” I love the promise that comes with it—“and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33 NIV). In the moments of self-pity and doubt, it’s time to lift your head and look up to the One who is near. It’s a choice.

Sisters, this Christmas, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8 NASB).

I am going to choose to dwell on the love I share with my man and our children. I am going to choose to listen intently as the sounds of laughter ring through the house. I can’t wait to watch them savor the carefully prepared food and open the gifts I’ve wrapped with care. It will be lovely; it’s a celebration, after all. On this day, a Savior was born, and that is worthy of praise.

Jesus. He entered the world as the Prince of Peace, and left us saying,

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV).

Your life may not be a picture-perfect existence, but this Christmas you may simply need to change your perspective and receive what he is offering: the gift of perfect peace.

Rhonda Taylor Madge is the author of Hindsight: Seeing Clearly Through the Veil of Deception, based on a true story. As a speaker and writer, she is committed to sharing with others the message of God’s radical mercy so that all may come to know Him in a personal, intimate way. Connect with her at rhondamadge.com.