My attention was immediately drawn to this cat and the place she chose to take a cat nap, an open umbrella decorated with smiley faces. Relaxing among smiley faces, what a good idea. We should adopt this cat’s philosophy! I recall a sign in a busy place of work that stated, “If you can keep your head while those around you are losing theirs, you may have misjudged the situation.” We’re often in situations and places that are far from peaceful. Can we have peace even when the environment is anything but peaceful? The answer for the person who’s serious about walking with God is “Yes!”
Isaiah prophesied of the coming of the Messiah, Jesus the Christ, words we often quote at Christmastime, “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.” (Isaiah 9:6) A prince rules; Jesus rules with peace!
Jesus Himself said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) Jesus promises to give a peace we can’t get anywhere else. If I had Jesus physically walking alongside me I’d find it rather easy to believe His words of having peace in His presence. The reality is that when we’re followers of Jesus we always do have Him with us, sight unseen but with us nevertheless. Practicing the presence of Jesus in any and every situation can help bring peace to us in that situation. Perhaps it would help to pray in an unpeaceful situation something to the effect, “Bring your peace to me, Jesus.”
Peace may not be found in every situation but, through Christ, we can bring His peace to any situation! We can be a person of peace when we allow ourselves to be ruled by the Prince of Peace. This is better than a catnap among smiley faces!
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