Peace on Earth
Philippians 4:6–7
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Perhaps the most remembered message of Christmas was spoken by the angels: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). While Christmas should be a time of peace, it is often the opposite for many. Worry, family problems, and financial stress can rob us of the peace God desires for His children to enjoy.
The Old Testament prophet Daniel provides a perfect illustration of God’s peace. Notice the specifics of how Daniel prayed: “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplicationbefore his God” (Daniel 6:10–11).
The prescription for peace that Paul provided in Philippians is exactly the same pattern Daniel followed in his prayers. Although Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den, he still had a peace that was beyond human understanding. This peace did not come to Daniel because he was immune to fear, but because of how he prayed and trusted God.
When we take our requests to God while thanking Him for all that He has done for us, we will have His perfect peace. All the worry in the world will never change things for the better. Until we seek God’s face in prayer, we will never know His genuine peace.
Do you want to know the reality of the angel’s Christmas message? Do you long to experience peace on Earth? Take your needs to the Lord in prayer, and thank God for His never-ending faithfulness in your life.
Growth Principle:
The key to great peace is not found in our resources or in our circumstances but on our knees.