From Fear to Peace

Her circumstances should have given her anxiety, deep concern, and fear of open rejection from family and friends. She was so very young and pregnant. Facing an untenable situation, she goes to her elderly cousin, Elizabeth’s house, perhaps to hide from the cruel, hateful words of others, maybe to find support and encouragement.

 

From the moment Mary entered the house of Elizabeth, Mary was affirmed “the most blessed of women, and your child will be blessed!” Speaking truth and life to her young cousin, Elizabeth brought hope, joy, and peace to her soul. Mary had peace in God, knowing she was fulfilling God’s call on her young life to be the mother of the world’s Savior.

 

When I was pregnant with our first child, I remember being plagued by fear, anxiety, insecurity, and insufficiency. The last thing I felt was peace. Yet, Mary was filled with peace and was overcome with joy and praise of a merciful God who looked on her “with favor.” Rather than looking at her situation from a world view, she grasps the significance of the calling on her life from God’s perspective. Through her, God would help Israel and the whole world.

 

Mary was chosen to become the mother of Jesus Christ in God’s supreme power and authority—the Champion of the lowly and those who reverence Him in fear. God’s provision and fulfilled promises are recounted in Mary’s praise of great joy, full of hope and peace.

 

I wonder if we would be filled with this kind of peace when we face fear if we, like Mary, recount the many ways God has been faithful, showing us mercy and doing great things for each of us. When the focus is turned from our circumstances to the greatness of the Lord, we, too, can experience such great peace in our lives.

 

May we humbly offer a beautiful hymn of praise to our Holy Father God, recognizing His favor on each of our lives. May the peace of God fill you in every way during this Advent season. “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.”

 

#Advent2023 #seasonswithmysavior #inthesequietmoments