Isaiah 9:6

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

What happens if we break one of the laws of our state? There are consequences. If we turn away from breaking whichever law we broke, will the punishment be taken away and the judge instead invite us over for dinner? Very rarely. Yet, what is God’s response if we break one of his laws now that Jesus Christ has paid the price for our sins, if we only believe in Him? Not only forgiveness, but precious commodities that he alone can give time and again if we open our hearts to Him!

Randy and I have a dog that looks like a stocky, mostly Chihuahua mix. He can be fierce around other dogs and does his share of chasing cats away. But when the 4th of July comes around his body shakes, and until the past year or two he would often disappear under the bed, in a closet or some other place in the house. He refused to be held but wanted to hide, as if that would save him from any threat he was sensing. I never understood that. Why wouldn’t he want to be comforted by those who cared for him?

Now I think, wow! That’s how I am sometimes. Even though Jesus is there waiting for me, I want to hide, or to fix the problem myself. And like our dog, Keaton, I’m so focused on the problem I don’t notice His reaching arms that will comfort me if I just let him. Then when I do, I think, Lord, you are wonderful – why did I wait? 

Jesus is our Prince of Peace, giving peace and forgiveness like no other when we need it.

— Nancy Hansell