The Gift of Peace for Our Pressure

Peace is the presence of inner calm, harmony and rest, even during times of pressure and turmoil. Peace on the inside is equal and opposite of all the stresses and pressures that would normally be crushing us from the outside. Most of us probably need such peace in our lives right now. Conflicts in families, financial anxiety, job-related worries, fears about the future…the pressure on the outside is often greater than what we’re able to handle on the inside.

Joseph was a man under pressure. The stress of his circumstances was devastating. Matthew writes about Christmas from Joseph’s perspective in the opening chapter of his Gospel. It is there that we discover that peace comes when we respond to pressure by choosing to do the right thing, by listening to the voice of God and by putting God’s plan ahead of our personal desires. Let’s learn from Joseph—do what is right whether it turns out easy or not. The result will be peace, which is often the byproduct of faith and obedience.