Proverbs mentions how it’s better to have peace and little than to have lots and strife. During the season that’s surrounded by consumerism, where we’re conditioned to ask for more stuff, the Lord reminds us that things don’t solve any problems. Rather, more items and materials can actually cause more frustration and anxiety. Sometimes, it’s best for us to cleanse ourselves from unneeded items, to de-clutter and purge. The Lord provides all that we need. Anything beyond what He desires for us to have is excess. Certainly, it’s important to express who we are in the Lord through the items we hold dear, but to just simply pursue stuff for the sake of wanting more isn’t going to satisfy in any way. With less clutter in our lives, we have less to organize and concern ourselves with, therefore, we have more room and time for what is important and relevant. With more time, space and a sense of organization, we have a more significant sense of peace. When we contain only what we need, then we control what we have, it does not consume us.
Part of realizing what we need is being thankful for what we have as well as being thankful for what we desire, even when it’s not yet ours. God answers our prayers and He hears the desires of our heart. His intentions are to satisfy us completely and He knows what will make us fully content more than we do ourselves. The Lord will indeed give what is good. He takes our prayers seriously, which means we should as well. We should enter into our time of asking from the Lord with a believing heart. We should have faith that we will receive before we even ask. That means that we should trust that we have all that we need and that God desires for us to live in His joy. So, in a time of overwhelming consumption, we need to find time to thank the Lord for His provision, protection and love. In our thankfulness, we will discover God’s peace.
The prophecy of Jesus’ birth in Isaiah 9 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus is the Prince of Peace and His government will be upon His shoulder. His peace will reign forever and over all else. This means that peace will have no end. As we celebrate the birth of our savior and savor season, let us focus on peace that only Jesus can provide.
