God’s Mercy Guides Us to the Path of Peace

Meditate.

Because of God's tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace. Luke 1:78-79

Anne, Shirley, Vicki & Bob

This is the anniversary of the death of my sister, Shirley, her husband, Bob, and her two daughters, Vicki and Anne. It has been thirty-two years ago since we lost them in the ultimate domestic violence act. Time is relative…seems like yesterday…or last week. No, it was years and years ago. My nieces would likely have been married and had children of their own by now—but the shadow of death has overtaken their lives. As believers, we know they are not lost in darkness, but we will see them again one day in heaven. For now, all we can ask is that God, in His sweet and tender mercy, will continue to guide us—family and friends left behind—on the path of peace. God's peace is the only true and lasting peace.

The morning light from heaven in this Luke passage is referring to Jesus. These words were spoken by Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, and husband of Mary’s cousin Elizabeth. Whenever we have sunshine breaking through the morning clouds, my heart rejoices. Sunshine just makes me smile. Someday we’ll see sunshine breaking through the clouds…and it will be Jesus—the light of Heaven and earth—coming to call believers home to Heaven. What a glorious day that will be. I’m convinced that will happen, because of God’s tender mercy, in His time. So, we must patiently wait—and continue to seek His peace—knowing that He will guide us on His path of peace. Peace. No fear. No darkness, because Jesus is the light of the world. 

Prayer ~ Lord God, I seek You and ask that You would guide me, my family, friends, and neighbors along Your path of peace. Fill us with Your peace…as well as hope, love, and joy during this Advent season.

Verse of Salvation ~ The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalm 27:1

© 2021 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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