Peace in Waiting

“Peace in the Waiting”

Date: December 7

Scripture: John 14:27; Isaiah 26:3 (CSB)

Introduction

Today we light the Candle of Peace, and that’s exactly what our world needs. We live in a culture full of anxiety, conflict, and stress. Peace feels like a rare commodity — yet Jesus Christ offers peace that the world cannot give and cannot take away.

Many people think peace means the absence of trouble. But the Bible shows us something deeper: peace in the presence of trouble because of the presence of Christ.

Before Jesus went to the cross, before His disciples faced persecution, before darkness and fear tried to overwhelm them — Jesus made them a promise.

He said in John 14:27 (CSB):

‘Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.’

Today, we look at what it means to have His peace — not the world’s — while we wait, trust, and walk with Him.

I. Jesus Gives a Peace the World Cannot Offer

A. The world offers temporary, fragile peace

The world’s peace depends on:

circumstances

success

comfort

people behaving a certain way

But that kind of peace comes and goes.It cracks under pressure.

It cracks under pressure.

The disciples felt that.Jesus was leaving.

Jesus was leaving.Darkness was coming.

Darkness was coming.Their world was about to shake.

Their world was about to shake.

But Jesus says, “My peace I give to you.”

B. Jesus offers His own peace

Not “peace from Him” —

the same peace that He Himself walked in.

The peace He had:

when surrounded by crowds

when rejected

when betrayed

when arrested

when crucified

His peace is not fragile — it is divine.

C. Jesus’ peace calms troubled hearts

He tells His disciples,

“Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.”

This is not a rebuke — it is a promise.He is telling them:

He is telling them:“You will face trouble… but trouble will not own you.”

“You will face trouble… but trouble will not own you.”

II. Peace Comes From Trusting God Fully

Isaiah 26:3 (CSB):

“You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you.”

A. Peace flows from dependence

The phrase “dependent on you” means:

leaning on God,

relying on God,

resting in God.

Peace is not found in doing more —peace is found in

peace is found in surrendering more.

B. Perfect peace comes from trust

Isaiah says God gives perfect peace — complete, whole, steady peace —to the one whose mind is fixed on Him.

to the one whose mind is fixed on Him.

Not fixed on:

problems

politics

money

other people

fear

“what if?”

The mind set on God is the mind at peace.

C. The peace of Advent is peace in the waiting

Advent is a season of expectation —but it is also a season of tension.

but it is also a season of tension.

We celebrate the first coming of Christ,but we also long for the second.

but we also long for the second.

We live between the promise and the fulfillment —and in that “between,” God offers peace.

and in that “between,” God offers peace.

III. How to Walk in Christ’s Peace Today

A. Let the Word of God steady your heart

When fear rises, Scripture anchors us.Jesus used Scripture in His moments of deepest distress.

Jesus used Scripture in His moments of deepest distress.

Peace is not found by trying harder —it is found by returning to God’s promises.

it is found by returning to God’s promises.

B. Pray until peace comes

Philippians 4:6–7 “6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

teaches us that peace comes as we bring every request to God:

honestly

humbly

continually

Prayer doesn’t always change our situation immediately —but it always changes our spirit.

but it always changes our spirit.

C. Let the Holy Spirit fill your life with peace

Peace is fruit of the Spirit.We do not manufacture it —

We do not manufacture it —we receive it.

we receive it.

If you are lacking peace,you are not failing —

you are not failing —you are

you are being invited to draw closer.

D. Share Christ’s peace with others

In a world full of anxiety, worry, and tension,the peace of Christ stands out like a bright candle shining in darkness.

the peace of Christ stands out like a bright candle shining in darkness.

When you live in peace:

you become a witness

you give hope

you point others to Jesus

Conclusion

Jesus said, “My peace I give to you.”Not peace that depends on life going well.

Not peace that depends on life going well.Not peace that fades when trouble comes.

Not peace that fades when trouble comes.A deep, steady, holy peace that anchors your soul.

A deep, steady, holy peace that anchors your soul.

Today, Jesus invites you:“Let your heart stop running.

“Let your heart stop running.

Let it stop fearing.Rest in Me.”

Rest in Me.”

As we continue through Advent,may His peace guard your hearts,

may His peace guard your hearts,steady your minds,

steady your minds,and shine through your life.

and shine through your life.

Invitation

If your heart is troubled —if your spirit is restless —

if your spirit is restless —if anxiety has stolen your peace —

if anxiety has stolen your peace —come to Jesus.

come to Jesus.

His arms are open.His peace is available.

His peace is available.His presence is enough.

His presence is enough.

Let’s pray.