It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

for shopping and baking, and for Xanax taking when loved ones come near!

 It’s the most wonderful time… for a beer.

We have reached that point in the “most wonderful time of the year” when stress is at its peak. Are you feeling it? Just this week I heard two parents say that their children cried on the way to school several days this week, other moms told me they are completely overwhelmed and exhausted, and a colleague reached out for prayer because she feels like she is drowning in obligations and commitments. Why, oh, why, do we do this to ourselves every year?

Friends, this is no way to celebrate the birthday of the Prince of Peace. Are you at peace in your heart, or is your life filled with worry and fretting? Here are six steps toward peace, reminding us that we won’t have peace on earth and goodwill toward all people until we have peace within.

1. Rejoice in the Lord. 

Phil. 4:4 says to rejoice in the Lord always… not just rejoice occasionally. Not just rejoice when something great happens but rejoice in the Lord always. Making the choice to rejoice in every circumstance brings peace to your soul. Can you pause right now and rejoice that at least you are alive to survive another day?

• React graciously to others. 

Be gentle and forbearing… with everyone. Scripture teaches us that “A gentle word turns away wrath.” Paul says to let your words be seasoned with salt and designed to build up, not to cut down, designed to develop, not destroy, and designed to help, not to hurt. Let your graciousness be evident to all. If your stress and exhaustion are making you be short with your kids or your spouse, figure out a way to take something on your list and just say no.

3. Rest in the Lord.

Jesus said: “I will never leave you nor forsake you!” Remembering that Jesus is with you and that you abide in Him will help you rest in Him and experience his peace when you have none. As the Prince of Peace, he longs to meet you in a quiet moment, even in the carpool line or as you put your head on the pillow. Just ask him, and he will come.

4. Reach up to God in prayer.

Let prayer be your first response, not your last resort. Paul says: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 6:7)

• Reflect on positive things. 

The battle for peace is primarily fought in the mind. We must take every thought captive to Christ. Take two minutes to meditate on God’s Word. In Phil. 4, Paul wrote: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” 

• Repent & resolve to obey the Lord 

The Holy Spirit will not let us be at peace in sin, so we must confess, repent, and resolve to obey the Lord. The key is not the absence of troubles and trials or hurts and heartaches; but rather the key is the presence of God.  When we confess and repent of our sins, we find an inner peace.

Pursuing peace will help us reduce our stress and be peacemakers. Where can you be a peacemaker in your workplace or your family? What better way to celebrate this last week of Advent could there be than to bring peace into your day? May the Prince of Peace make his presence known in your life today.

Peace Like a River by Michelle Robertson