I wrote the post below blog as a devotion in a series our church distributed called Faith, Food, and Fitness. The initial focus was on maintaining our weight during the holidays, since the average person will gain a pound or 2 during the holidays and then not lose it during the rest of the year. Anyway, where you see “food” first mentioned below, it could instead be any substitute besides the Lord that you use to escape from anxiety—-so it might be drinking too much, mindless TV binging, sensual daydreams, etc.

My Peace I Give You

All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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 14:25-27

Isn’t it strange that the holiday season where we are celebrating the man who is Prince of Peace can bring such anxiety? Is it due to being more concerned about pleasing people than to pleasing the Lord? Or is it caused by having a busy schedule, then feeling tired and giving into the temptation to anxiety? Whatever the exact reason, we don’t want to be pulled into trying to find peace “as the world gives.” Because this can very well include getting rid of the anxious feelings with….food.

In today’s verses Jesus talks of the Holy Spirit who the father will send; but thanks to the Lord we live after Jesus’ resurrection so the Father has sent us the Spirit! And that great Helper keeps reminding us of what Jesus has said in his Word. It is then and only then that we can experience a supernatural release for our hearts from being troubled and afraid.

Instead of food or any other worldly answer we may turn to what the Lord says. As we pray with thanks, we receive the promise that “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phillippians 4:7).

• Devotions