THE PRINCE OF PEACE
Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
When you pray, what is the platform for your prayer time? Are you praying because you want to have a conversation with God, or are you praying because you are troubled, scared, upset, etc. and want God to quickly fix your problems? Are you coming to Him because you need Him, or are you coming into that place of prayer because you have purposed to come to the Prince of Peace, Who has everything under His control, Who is the Supreme Ruler and Governor of Peace?
The questions I have just asked you are valid questions for all of us to ponder. We have just come through the month of December when we focus on the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Prince of Peace, come to this earth to give us peace. In the middle of a world that seems to be out of control in every direction, let us make this year our year of PEACE with the PRINCE OF PEACE as our direction finder. In every situation you and I encounter this year, let’s make a quality decision to yield to peace instead of panic.
All of us have had circumstances in 2012 which gave us much cause for concern. They were challenging to us. They went to the very core of our being, challenging our peace and joy and love. 2013 is here and we made it! But I want to do more than make it this year. I want to be on top of things. In Deuteronomy 28 we read that we are the head and not the tail. We are above and not beneath. How do we stay in the midst of that declaration? Below I am going to list a few practical points for consideration for our new year of prayer.
First of all, every day we must make the Lord Jesus Christ #1 in our lives. He is to have center stage. Before we even get out of bed, we dedicate our day to Him and ask Him to guide us by the power of His Holy Spirit. We ask Him: What is it You want to accomplish today through me? Guard my heart; keep a watch over the door of my mouth; cause me to see Your good today. Keep me in the center of Your perfect will.
As we get ready for the day, let’s focus on His goodness and mercy to us, see His supernatural favor going before us and preparing a way where there may seem to be no way. Open our eyes, Lord, to see You in everything we encounter today.
Whether it is at the beginning of the day or at the end of the day, have a special time set aside for your Lord, where you fellowship with Him in prayer and praise and absorbing His Word through reading, meditating and confession.
During the day, let’s purpose to think on Jesus and let Him direct us.
Over all, let us be people of prayer for our families, our friends, our co-workers, our leaders, our churches, our nation.