2020 has been a stressful year. The illness, death, anxiety, fear, uncertainty and isolation associated with COVID 19, the political climate related to the election, and the social unrest across the country have all been major contributing factors. Add to these issues any difficult personal factors that you might have experienced or are experiencing now and you have a sort of ‘perfect storm’ environment that can contribute to poor mental and physical health.
In the Bible, Jesus told his followers, “ …. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas, it’s a time to remind ourself of who He is, the truths that He tells us in the Bible and to reaffirm our relationship with Him and all the positive things associated with this relationship.
When we believe and practice key truths that are found in scripture, we can experience God’s peace instead of anxiety and other negative and harmful emotions. As we place our trust in Jesus, we can have peace in our eternal destiny – that we will be in heaven after we die. (John 3:16) When we believe that God is sovereign and in control of all that happens, this promotes inner peace. (Romans 8:28) Having the attitude/trust that God will supply all your essential needs brings peace instead of anxiety. “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19)
Jesus reminds us in John 15: 5 to remain close to Him. “I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him is the one who bears much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” One ‘fruit’ that you can experience in your life as a believer, in the midst of turmoil in the world, is peace. This and other ‘fruits’ stem from the Holy Spirit who lives within you. “ …the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
You have a choice whether to think about the truths of scripture and who Jesus is, or the ways of the world and satan’s lies. When you choose to fill your mind with God’s truths and practice His ways, you can experience God’s peace instead of the world’s anxiety. “Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2
Jesus came so that we can believe in Him and enter into a relationship with His Father, the God of the Bible and heaven. This Christmas, be reminded of how much God loves you and reaffirm your relationship with Jesus and experience the peace that His Spirit provides.
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” (Jesus in John 14:27)
Merry Christmas!
P.S. If you are not yet in a relationship with Jesus, I invite you to READ THIS.
