Advent Prayer Challenge Day 10 - December 6
Your Comfort in the Storm
Read Isaiah 40:28-31 & Matthew 11:28-30
Light two candles and say together
Come, Good Shepherd. Gather us in your arms.
Reflection
Winter isn't a popular season to love, but those of us who do love it don't really love it for the outside temperatures - we love it for how it feels to be inside when the outside is so inhospitable. I love to put on fuzzy socks, brew some warm tea, wrap myself in a blanket, and sit with a book while watching the snow whip around outside my living room window, knowing I have nowhere else to be. That is the absolute height of comfort.
The more frightful the weather outside is (within reason, of course,) the cozier it is inside, (assuming, again, that I do not need to go out into the storm). You see, comfort is best when it offsets the raging realities of life.
We like to think that our circumstances have to change to experience peace. But Jesus, the Prince of Peace, said that He does not give the kind of peace that the world gives (John 14:17), but instead we are promised a "peace that passes understanding" (Philippians 4:7). That means this isn't a logical peace. This isn't a type of peace dictated by circumstance. Sometimes peace in a storm actually looks like peace in the middle of a storm, not a calmed storm. This kind of peace, one that passes understanding, is actually a better peace. Because it is always accessible, no matter what is raging around you.
In Isaiah 40, not only is God speaking words of comfort to His people, assuring them that their time of strife is over, but He also reassures them that the decrees and promises of God will always stand. His promises will last, regardless of the current circumstances, which always seem to change.
No matter where you are in the storms of life; whether you are in the middle of one, or you are coming out of one, or perhaps you see signs of one on the horizon, like a red sky at sunrize, or even if the forecast is clear -- no matter what, God's peace is still available right in this moment and His promises still stand for you. Our Prince of Peace, the Good Shepherd will be standing with you, guiding you, and holding you, if you invite Him to.
Reflect and Discuss
- What is the ultimate experience of comfort for you?
- Consider the storms of your life. Are you in one now? Are you just entering or exiting one? Or has the sky been clear for a while?
- What does “peace that passes understanding" mean to you? What do you need to do to experience this kind of peace from Jesus?
Pray
Prince of Peace, comfort your people. Gather us in your arms and carry us close to your heart. Lead us. Let us experience your peace that passes understanding.
Amen.
Advent in Action
Savour hot chocolate sometime today.
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Advent Prayer Challenge Day 9 - December 5
Speak Peace Read Psalm 85 Light two candles and say together Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people. (Psalm 85:8) Reflection I’ve always been...