Pursuing the Prince of Peace

During the Christmas season we often hear about Jesus being the Prince of Peace. Psalm 34:14 tells us to "seek peace and pursue it". We often think of peace on a global scale, but how do we pursue peace in our hearts?

Luke 10:38-42
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Isaiah 30:15
This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:
“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
    in quietness and trust is your strength,
    but you would have none of it."

Jesus offers us peace like no other when we pursue a relationship with Him. But pursuing takes effort and intentionality, doesn't it? Reading His Words. Talking with Him. Giving Him space in my day to communicate with me. Am I making that relationship a priority, or is it an afterthought? Jesus is offering me peace with open, outstretched hands, but by my lack of effort am I basically telling Him, "No thanks" ? Why would I refuse the peace and rest in my heart that He offers?

Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Take a moment to reflect on these questions:

• How do you relate with Martha? With Mary?
• What has kept you from fully embracing the peace and rest that Christ offers?
• How will you intentionally pursue peace in your heart?