Tag: Peace

Reflections on New Year’s Day: Hope Amidst Tragedy

New Year’s Day!   I awoke early this morning, at about 5:30, thinking “A new year!” I thanked God for allowing me to live to see the dawning of another year. I am having a birthday in a few days, and at my age, another new year is not a given. I stayed down for a few minutes, talking to God and thinking about plans and goals. And then I turned on the television.

Only three hours into 2025, and already humans are killing each other! Why?!

A man drove a truck into a New Year’s Eve crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing and wreaking havoc. People were celebrating the new year. People with plans and goals. Maybe some were getting engaged or celebrating other life events. Many were anticipating the Sugar Bowl later tonight. Officials are using phrases such as “IEDs,” and “terrorist attack.”  Such a tragic way to begin a new year.

I am remembering past Sugar Bowls I have attended. The Ritz Carlton, just a block away from the crime scene.  A New Year’s Eve dinner at Antoine’s, brunch at The Court of Two Sisters, a parade down Canal Street. As I write these words, the French Quarter is virtually shut down and the Sugar bowl is a question mark. 

It has only been one week since we celebrated the birth of the Prince of Peace. My mind goes to the words penned by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
    “For hate is strong,
    And mocks the song 
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
    The Wrong shall fail,
    The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.” 

God is not dead. He saw it and He weeps. And miraculously, He is not finished with us. The peace Jesus offers us in this lifetime is peace in the midst of sorrow and tragedy. We will not know perfect peace on this side of Heaven. Until then, we live in a fallen world with broken people. So for 2025, I hold to the promise that He is with me, nothing that happens to me takes him by surprise, and that someday He will make all things new (Rev. 21:5).

Embracing God’s Peace Amid Life’s Chaos

Today’s post was written by a guest writer…my 26-year old granddaughter, Hannah Herrold. Her church in Colorado compiled an Advent study written by different writers from all over the country, and one even from Africa. They are all different ages and at different stages in life. Hannah was asked to contribute and to say I am proud would be an understatement. Proud is probably the wrong word. I am awed by what God is doing in her life. I hope she continues to develop here gift for writing, and I hope you will enjoy what she has to say about peace.

Philippians 4:67 –

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Reflection:

We all have moments in our lives when it feels like peace is just out of reach. Whether you’re juggling school, starting a new job, or managing family life, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the demands placed upon us. The pressures of relationships, finances, and daily stress can leave us feeling anxious and exhausted as if we’re caught in a whirlwind with no clear path to calm. In these times, it’s crucial to remember that true peace is not found in the absence of chaos but in the presence of something greater—a quiet trust in God’s unwavering support and guidance.

Philippians 4:6-7 offers a powerful reminder: peace isn’t just about having everything together – it’s a gift from God. Paul encourages us to bring our worries to God in prayer, emphasizing that this act goes beyond merely listing our problems; it’s about establishing a deep, intimate connection with the One who truly understands what we’re going through. In this sacred dialogue, we can exchange our anxieties for His tranquility, allowing His presence to envelop us and fill our hearts with a peace that surpasses all understanding.

When we pray, we shift our focus from our stress to God, who holds everything in His hands. This change in perspective can be life-changing. Our worries may feel heavy, but God’s peace is constant and available, even in the chaos. It protects our hearts and minds, giving us a safe space to breathe.

When peace feels impossible, remember that God is with you, no matter what you’re facing. His peace is not based on the circumstance but rather on His love. As you seek Him, you might find what seems impossible becomes possible. He’s the ultimate source of peace we all need.

Optional Reflection Questions:

1) What specific worries or anxieties are currently occupying your mind? How do they impact your sense of peace?

2) In what ways have you experienced God’s peace in the past? How can you recall these moments to encourage yourself now?

3) How might bringing your concerns to God in prayer change your perspecave on them?

4) Are there specific practices or habits that help you cultivate a sense of peace that you could incorporate into your daily/weekly/monthly routine?