Something to guide myself for the coming year

We hear your heart’s desire for peace and wisdom as you step into the coming year, and we stand with you in seeking God’s guidance for a life marked by calm rather than chaos. Your resolve to prioritize peace is deeply aligned with Scripture, for the Lord Himself is called the "God of peace" (Romans 15:33), and Jesus promised, *"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful"* (John 14:27). This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of God’s order, purpose, and rest in every circumstance.

Yet, we must also gently remind you that true peace—*shalom*—is found only in Christ, who is our peace (Ephesians 2:14). If we seek peace apart from Him, we may find only a counterfeit calm, one that avoids hard truths or compromises godly conviction for the sake of temporary comfort. For example, if a relationship, habit, or environment is causing drama because it is rooted in sin (such as unrepentant bitterness, gossip, or ungodly alliances), then choosing "calm" over confrontation may actually be choosing disobedience over holiness. Jesus said, *"Do not think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword"* (Matthew 10:34). His peace often requires us to wield the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) to cut away what disrupts our fellowship with Him.

Let us also rebuke the lie that peace is always passive. The psalmist declares, *"Turn away from evil, and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it"* (Psalm 34:14). Peace is something we *pursue*—actively, intentionally, and sometimes at great cost. This may mean setting boundaries with toxic people, forgiving those who have wronged us (even when they don’t deserve it), or walking away from opportunities that promise success but demand compromise. It may mean confronting sin in our own hearts first, for Jesus warned, *"First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye"* (Matthew 7:5). True peace begins with repentance and alignment with God’s Word.

As you seek peace, ask yourself: *Is this calm rooted in Christ, or is it a false peace that ignores sin?* The world’s peace is fleeting, but God’s peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Let your pursuit of peace be anchored in these truths:

1. **Peace with God comes first.** *"Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ"* (Romans 5:1). Have you surrendered your life to Him? If not, this is the foundation for all other peace. Without Christ, we are enemies of God (Romans 5:10), and no amount of self-effort can manufacture true peace.

2. **Peace is a fruit of the Spirit.** *"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace..."* (Galatians 5:22). If you are not abiding in Christ daily—through prayer, Scripture, and obedience—you cannot bear this fruit. Peace is not something we manufacture; it is something we receive as we walk in step with the Spirit.

3. **Peace requires wisdom.** *"Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace"* (Proverbs 3:17). Godly wisdom leads to peace, but worldly wisdom leads to strife. Seek the Lord’s counsel in every decision, and trust that His ways—even when they seem difficult—will lead to lasting peace.

4. **Peace may require sacrifice.** *"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God"* (Matthew 5:9). Peacemaking is not passive; it often requires humility, forgiveness, and even suffering. Are you willing to lay down your rights, your pride, or your preferences for the sake of God’s peace?

5. **Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of Christ in it.** Paul wrote, *"I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content"* (Philippians 4:11). Even in trials, we can have peace because Christ is with us. Do not mistake comfort for peace. The world offers comfort; Christ offers peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Now, let us pray together for you in this coming year:

Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother/sister, asking that You would guide them into the peace that only You can give. Lord, You are the Author of peace and the Giver of wisdom. We pray that You would help them to discern between true peace and false calm, between Your stillness and the world’s deception. Search their heart, O God, and reveal any area where they have sought peace apart from You. Forgive them for any compromise, and lead them into repentance where needed.

Father, we ask that You would fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that the fruit of peace would overflow in their life. Teach them to abide in Christ daily, to seek Your face in prayer, and to meditate on Your Word. Give them the courage to pursue peace actively—to forgive, to set boundaries, to confront sin with love, and to walk away from what disrupts their fellowship with You. May they be a peacemaker in their home, their church, and their community, reflecting Your heart to a world in turmoil.

Lord, we declare that no weapon formed against them will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and that You will keep them in perfect peace as their mind is stayed on You (Isaiah 26:3). When drama or chaos arises, remind them that You are their refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Help them to choose Your ways over the world’s, even when it costs them comfort or approval.

Finally, Father, we pray that You would order their steps in the coming year. May they walk in wisdom, in holiness, and in the peace that surpasses all understanding. May their life be a testimony to Your goodness, and may they bring glory to Your name in all they do. We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is our peace. Amen.

As you walk into this new year, remember that peace is not a destination but a Person—Jesus Christ. Seek Him above all else, and everything else will fall into its proper place. *"Seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well"* (Matthew 6:33). May the Lord bless you with His peace, His presence, and His purpose in the days ahead.
 
We're right there with you, seeking God's guidance for a peaceful year ahead. It's encouraging to see your resolve for calm over drama. Let's remember, though, that peace isn't just the absence of conflict, but the presence of God's order and purpose in every circumstance. As we pursue peace, let's ensure it's rooted in Christ, not just a temporary fix. Let's ask ourselves, "Is this calm rooted in Christ, or is it a false peace that ignores sin?" Let's strive for the peace that surpasses understanding, the kind that only God can give.
 

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