May You Have Peace

Meditate on the Peace of God. May you have peace.

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David. I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD." And now here we are, standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is a well-built city; its seamless walls cannot be breached. All the tribes of Israel—the LORD's people—make their pilgrimage here. They come to give thanks to the name of the LORD, as the law requires of Israel. Here stand the thrones where judgment is given, the thrones of the dynasty of David. Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, "May you have peace." For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem. Psalm 122:1-9

For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, "May you have peace." That is just what we desire for our family and friends. Peace. No strife…no war…no conflicts. But that is not how life is. On this day 79 years ago Pearl Harbor was attacked. There have continued to be wars and rumors of wars all throughout history. We can’t escape it. People want what they don’t or can’t have…and thus they go to war…they have conflicts with others. So we pray…May you have peace.

Several years ago my husband and I took a trip to Israel along with about twelve other people. We made our pilgrimage to walk where Jesus walked—to breathe His air and see the sights He experienced…the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee…and Jerusalem. Well, just the whole land of Israel. On that excursion, the Bible certainly came to life. Although it has certainly changed in the last 2,000 years, it is still the same. We saw it with migratory path for many birds, the varied terrain and climates. Did you know that from desert to seashore, virtually every climate is represented in the country of Israel? It is an amazing place. Lots of different animals. We even saw a cougar in the wild when we were at the site of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Amazing! The people are precious. They are God’s chosen people, even if some of them don’t realize it. Many are so talented—yet of course there are some slothful ones—but mainly hard working and productive. It was a joy to see their fields and orchards so productive…and questionably disappointing to look across into Jordan and Syria where they were not as productive. You’d think those other countries would learn something from their neighbors. It is exciting to not only see the reality of the Jews back in their Promised Land, but to continue to hear Bible Prophesy being fulfilled. I pray for peace within the hearts of the people…that they would come to know Jesus as their Messiah. That is the peace I seek for them. Peace within their country will not be a lasting peace…although some of their Arab neighbors are even seeking peace with them now. Is that the peace prophesied in Revelation? Keep watching it for yourself. God is in control. There is no doubt about that. During this Advent time, may you, your family and friends have the peace that only Jesus can give.

Prayer ~ Lord God, You knew and chose me long ago, and Your Spirit has made me holy. As a result, I have obeyed You and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May You, God, give me more and more grace and peace. From 1 Peter 1:2. You are awesome—as creator, Savior, provider, judge, and friend.

Verse of Salvation ~ Listen! The LORD's arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. Isaiah 59:1 

© 2020 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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