Advent: PEACE comes from the Four Winds

Lucy and Orlando Taveras

Scriptures: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalms 80:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37

Focus Scripture: Isaiah 64:1-9

Question for reflection: If someone told you that you would see God face to face, what would you do to prepare?

In response to the question posed to us, luckily we know that one day we will see God face to face, although that day is unknown. While we wait for the day when we will get to see our creator face to face, we all confront the challenge of preparing for that blessed day. It is a challenge because of the battle between the spirit and the flesh. On a daily basis we all sin and must make conscious of doing our duty in everything God requires of us. The bible tells us exactly what we need to do in preparation.

In Isaiah 64, we read about a prophet who is no longer a young man but an old man who has returned with his people from exile. Isaiah has a prayer of lament; the prophet pleading with God on behalf of his people. We notice that the prophet seems to be going through depression and mood swings as he pleads with God. Many of us were raised with the notion that we can only go in prayer to God in a certain mindset but God wants us to have an honest communication with him, a relationship with him, during both our good times and our bad times. We should not refrain from hiding our true feelings because God knows our heart.

The truth is that we are not in a constant joyful state. Many of us suffer from depression and the cause of that depression varies. During the times when we feel we are at our lowest, we can go to God and by faith take a hold of the promises God has made while remembering that we are not saved by our good deeds but by God’s favor and mercy.

Our preparation to meet the Creator should be constant. Constant preparation requires consciousness of doing our duty in everything and through that deliberate action, we will find peace. Philippians 4:6-7 states: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” God will provide that peace beyond all understanding that cannot be measured. On that blessed day when we finally get to see God, there will be no fear, no depression, no anxiousness, only peace that will be eternal.

Prayer: God, we thank you on this day for showing us your peace. May we always come to you in prayer regardless of the state of mind we are in, knowing that you are merciful and the one who grants peace.