I love Sunday mornings. There is a peace about them. No one is in a rush, the suit coats and shiny shoes are left at home and families are laughing as they bask in rhythm of slowness. I love this Sunday morning, as I sit at a shaded table outside my favorite coffee shop reading The Word and watching the passer-byers. I feel peaceful. I am in comfy yoga pants, I have no agenda and my fabulous husband is a few tables away. What a good day!
Why can't all days be like lazy Sunday? Even in the midst of my Sunday euphoria, in the back of my mind I can sense Monday. Monday is Sunday's antithesis. Monday's include early morning awakenings, uncomfortable fancy-clothes, and an e-mail box full of to do's. I do not look forward to Monday.
I think Jesus wants for us a Sunday life-style. He says in Isaiah 9, "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. (6)" That's right, He is not only peaceful, peace-loving and peace giving, He is the Prince of Peace. So if he is the Prince of Peace and I am His daughter what does that make me?
Did you know that Isaiah uses the word peace 26 times? (I knew I loved Isaiah for a reason!) Once we have received Christ, we receive His peace. If you are walking with the Lord, I know you have felt it. That time a situation looked hopeless and difficult...and you STILL felt peace. That wasn't you, that was the LORD! But let's be honest, in the hustle-bustle, achievement orientated world, peace doesn't come easy.
The key to peace is authority. To believe in the Prince of Peace and to believe that He has control and governs our lives from morning to night. Isaiah 26:3 says, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 32:17 says, "The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever." Boy, does that sound nice.
So today, put down your work, take a deep breathe, choose a passage from Isaiah (may I suggest my favorite, 41) and drink in the Prince of Peace. Let him fill you on this beautiful Sunday afternoon, so then when the Monday's of life approach, remember He has control and as son's and daughters of the Prince of Peace, we can receive His Peace.
I leave you with this prayer, "May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you always." (2 Thess. 3:16)
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