Isaiah 9:1-7 - Peace

On the way to the District Christmas dinner yesterday I was thinking about how tired I was and not sure that I was up to the evening.  I'm so glad I made the effort.  I was blessed with seeing friends, hearing great music and most importantly having some time with my hubby.  It was a refreshing and invigorating type of evening.  As I was listening to the first seven verses of chapter nine of Isaiah read, I thought about all the people who need peace in their life.  In order to have true peace the Prince of Peace must sit on the throne of our hearts.  

9 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—

2 The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned.
3 You have enlarged the nation
    and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
    as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
    when dividing the plunder.
4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
    you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
    the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor.
5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle
    and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
    will be fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.

Matthew Henry writes about this section of scripture:
The Syrians and Assyrians first ravaged the countries here mentioned, and that region was first favoured by the preaching of Christ. Those that want the gospel, walk in darkness, and in the utmost danger. But when the gospel comes to any place, to any soul, light comes. Let us earnestly pray that it may shine into our hearts, and make us wise unto salvation. The gospel brings joy with it. Those who would have joy, must expect to go through hard work, as the husbandman, before he has the joy of harvest; and hard conflict, as the soldier, before he divides the spoil. The Jews were delivered from the yoke of many oppressors; this was a shadow of the believer's deliverance from the yoke of Satan. The cleansing the souls of believers from the power and pollution of sin, would be by the influence of the Holy Spirit, as purifying fire. These great things for the church, shall be done by the Messiah, Emmanuel. The Child is born; it was certain; and the church, before Christ came in the flesh, benefitted by his undertaking. It is a prophecy of him and of his kingdom, which those that waited for the Consolation of Israel read with pleasure. This Child was born for the benefit of us men, of us sinners, of all believers, from the beginning to the end of the world. Justly is he called Wonderful, for he is both God and man. His love is the wonder of angels and glorified saints. He is the Counsellor, for he knew the counsels of God from eternity; and he gives counsel to men, in which he consults our welfare. He is the Wonderful Counsellor; none teaches like him. He is God, the mighty One. Such is the work of the Mediator, that no less power than that of the mighty God could bring it to pass. He is God, one with the Father. As the Prince of Peace, he reconciles us to God; he is the Giver of peace in the heart and conscience; and when his kingdom is fully established, men shall learn war no more. 

That last sentence is key to how we can have peace in our lives.  We must be reconciled to God.  Reconciled means to be made consistent or compatible.  Sometimes when we are going through tough times we aren't consistent in our walk with the Lord.  Time constraints get in the way with our alone time with Him.  Our lack of concentration can also get in the way with our alone time with Him.  But in order to have His peace we must seek Him.  We must not only seek Him but we must make time for Him.  

Today I am praying for many who need His peace.  I pray they will not allow the busyness of the season or the negativeness of their circumstances to take away from their relationship with the Lord.  I pray for healing where healing is needed.  I pray for these ones to be reconciled in any part of their relationship with the Lord that needs reconciled.

• Families going through a funeral in the next couple of days.  
• Two couples who are separated.
• Ones who are going through medical testing.
• One and his family with the dark cloud of a diagnosis over their life.
• Families who are living in chaos due to the craziness of their schedule.
• A new believer who is seeking the Lord's direction.
• Many, many families who are going through this holiday season for the first time without their loved one.
• One who is so unhappy and making those around her to be miserable too.
• Two whose health are declining at a rapid pace…for their families as they deal with the situation.
• One waiting test results.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the reminder over the last few days that I can receive peace just by accepting it from You.  Thank You for reconciliation.  I am so grateful for your love, grace and mercy that enabled me to be reconciled with You many years ago.  Lord, there are just so many hurting people in this world.  I pray for Your peace to come down upon them.  Lord, direct my steps and my words as I minister to people.  I know the only way I can be effective is to have more of You and less of me.  Thank You in advance, Jesus, for making that possible today.  Lord, You are so awesome in the way You encourage me and I thank You.  Father, thank You for being My Prince of Peace.  Amen.