Loss is terribly painful. The grief journey can feel chaotic at times.
Especially at around Christmas.
For grieving hearts, this season can elevate our pain even further. We can feel sad, angry, depressed, anxious, fearful, guilty, and confused. Emotional overwhelm is common.
We experience change, after change, after change.
How do we do this?
Here’s another Grief Affirmation for you.
The grief journey is full of upheaval, but I can have peace of mind and heart.
Loss changes our lives. It changes us. The upset and upheaval are stunning.
We get hit from all angles. Our emotions are all over the place. Our minds struggle to concentrate and focus. Our immune systems are stretched. Our bodies are stressed.
Our souls can shake and stagger. Our relationships are not the same. Some expectations, plans, and dreams have been obliterated.
The sheer volume of change can be crushing. On top of it all, Christmas is coming.
The prophet Isaiah speaks into our personal chaos, reminding us of the first Christmas:
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)
Prince of Peace. Yes, peace. We need peace.
What of peace does this Prince bring? It is not circumstantial or situational peace. It is not necessarily relational peace.
It is peace with God. Because of Jesus Christ, we are now reconciled to God. Christ Himself is our peace.
It is the peace of God. God’s peace. Christ now lives in us. This is peace that is beyond our understanding.
We’re talking about peace with God and the peace of God – peace of mind, heart, soul, and spirit – no matter what is happening around us.
Prince of Peace, thank you. You came. You died for us. You conquered death. You will come again. You live in us. You are our peace.
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)
Prince of Peace, I worship You. You are my peace. Because of Christ, I have peace with God and also the peace of God. I choose to live in Your peace today. Calm my burdened, anxious heart. I release all things to You. Teach me and lead me, Lord. In Jesus’ name…
Be kind to yourself today.
