I was recently asked to write an entry for our Church's prepare/advent experience, so I wrote on Peace. I hope you enjoy the entry and have a wonderful Christmas!
Blessings,
Jon Peacock
Today's Scripture Reading:
“ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus ”
—Philippians 4:4–7 (TNIV)
ENGAGE YOUR HEART
- by Jon Peacock, director of Willow’s Axis ministry
It was December 2002, and I was doing what I enjoyed more than anything—playing baseball. I’d had a strong baseball career at Illinois State University and was approaching my final collegiate season, at the end of which I was to be drafted to play in the minor leagues. I was slowly working my way toward my childhood dream of playing Major League Baseball.
During a routine workout, I felt a strange pain in my lower back, which a doctor later confirmed was a broken vertebra. In an instant, my dream of becoming a professional baseball player was shattered. During the days, weeks, and months that followed, a surprising thing happened. Somewhere deep within me, a groundswell of peace emerged. It defied all logic. Here I was, in physical pain from the injury and intense emotional pain from its dream-shattering consequences. And yet, I was blanketed in an indescribable peace that guarded my mind and heart, and provided the grace I needed to walk through those difficult days.
Releasing a dream—a dream of a lifetime— was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. But God walked with me through it, and today’s Scripture passage from Philippians came to life for me through that experience. I love the picture this passage paints when it comes to living and walking with a peace that transcends our human understanding. The apostle Paul writes to his original audience in Philippi that praise precedes peace. When we find ourselves in a posture of praise and admiration toward our great God, we are reminded of the certainty of his goodness and faithfulness. This line of sight helps us look beyond whatever circumstances may be directly in front of us, to see past our questions and pain—not ignoring them or reducing their reality, but looking at them through the lens of hope. In the midst of circumstantial uncertainty, we are able to hold fast to a God who is certain; we move from anxiety to peace.
This kind of peace isn’t just a nice feeling. It’s not like a cozy Christmas sweater or a warm winter blanket we cover up with. This kind of peace is a powerful shield that surrounds and protects our hearts and minds. As I think back on those days when I was wrecked by physical pain and shattered dreams, I can see how God used those circumstances to bring me to where I am today—with an incredible, beautiful wife I would not have met through professional baseball, with a job at a church I love, that allows me to see God’s hand at work in the lives of people every day. The peace he gave me was based on the certainty of his goodness, which I continue to experience every day.
May you rest in his peace—in spite of your circumstances—throughout this holiday season.
OPEN YOUR HANDS
Next Steps
Peace on Earth: With countries at war and our young servicemen and women in harm’s way as they serve their country overseas, set aside time to lift them up in prayer. Pray for God’s hand of protection on them. Pray for peace—peace among governments, peace among tribes, peace among people.
Breathe: The sense of smell has a unique ability to soothe and evoke strong, fond memories. Fill a room with the aroma of a scented candle, inhale the steam from a strong cup of coffee, bury your face among the branches of a fresh Christmas tree. Breathe deeply, and let the peace of God envelop you.
Prayer:
Dear God,
Help me praise you constantly, in spite of my circumstances. Help my worship and praise become as natural as breathing. Help me see you and your beauty all around me. In times of uncertainty, help me cling to what is certain, and in those moments, to rest in the peace you deliver.
Amen.
Further Resources:
Book: Praise Habit: Finding God in Sunsets and Sushi by David Crowder
Book: Knowing God by J. I. Packer
Book: Surrender to Love by David G. Benner
Scripture: The book of Psalms








