Peace doesn’t come looking for us. Instead, like a game of hide and seek, he stands just out of our reach, out of our sight, hiding quietly in the corner. Our job, if we want it, is to find him.

I’m not talking only about finding a balanced approach to a hurried holiday season, I am also talking about finding peace in the middle of busyness and brokenness. This is a season that should be filled with joy but even though we may not always feel it.

So, if you feel broken, beaten, battered or busy this time of year take a look at how God has a plan of peace for you.

A child has been born to us; God has given a son to us. He will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NCV

When I Feel Consumed He gives me Perspective

Many times we start the season off with the right focus but over time we get consumed by the current of hurry loosing our perspective in the process. What can we do to find some perspective?

Be Still
"Be still, and know that I am God…" Psalm 46:10 NLT

Enjoy Today
"The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." John 10:10 NLT

When I Feel Crushed He gives me Encouragement

The holiday season can bring up feelings of depression, defeat or distress over something that happened in the past. If you feel crushed this season God wants you to know that He is there for you.

"I am here, “to free everyone who suffers.” Luke 4:18 CEV

I am here to, “give strength to those who are weary.” Isaiah 40:29 CEV

When I Feel Captured  He gives me Another Chance

Do you feel paralyzed by your past? Do you feel regret over a choice or mistake you made this past year? Do you feel captured by thoughts of shame and inadequacy? If so, here’s the good news.

You Are Free
“…the God of Israel, has come to help his people and has given them freedom.”
Luke 1:68 NCV

You Are Loved
“The one who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all these difficulties. I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us.” Romans 8:37-38 GW

When I Feel Confused He gives me a Compass  

Have you ever been out driving and got lost? Let me rephrase that, Have you ever been out driving with a man and got lost?” As a kid I never knew what to say to my dad when we were lost. However, I knew what not to say! “Dad, are we lost?”

The Christmas season can bring feelings of confusion over a past choice or future decision. What can we do about it? As a general rule it’s all dependent on where you look.

If you want to be distressed…look within.
If you want to be defeated…look back.
If you want to be distracted…look around.
If you want to be dismayed…look ahead.
If you want to be delivered…look up!.

"Trust the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths smooth." Proverbs 3:5-6 GW

"I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope." Jeremiah 29:11 GW

When I Feel Condemned He gives me Eternal Life

Jesus didn’t come into this world pointing a finger, blaming us for our dilemma or lecturing us on what we have done wrong, how to do it better or to try harder. He came with an open hand of grace, mercy and forgiveness.

He came into the world to save it.
“God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.” John 3:17 TLB

He came into this world to bring life and peace. So, no matter what “C” of life you are feeling this season God has come for one reason. To give you PEACE!