Peace ~ is it possible? Advent, 2025.

Christine DiGiacomo
13 minutes ago
4 min read

podcast: https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/305551d9/peace-is-it-possible-advent-2025

It was an austere, stark night of contrasts in Bethlehem, when the angels announced to the shepherds that our Savior had been born, bringing peace to earth. Peace, not the absence of war, but peace to our inner worlds and to our souls.

A well-ordered mind, a mind at peace . . . is it possible to have such a thing, no matter what is going on around us?

The book of Proverbs has a lot to say on right living, such as:

~>Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4.23

Guarding our hearts requires being intentional. Why is it we are disciplined in our workouts, meal prep, and business endeavors, but not in our relationships with God? Starting today, I propose we be intentional about our spiritual lives.

Intentionality will call for an action plan on our parts, with the seminal thought of connecting with God daily – that is, being in his Word and in personal communication with him (prayer).

Here’s my prescription for an ordered mind: give God the first fifteen minutes of your day . Meditate on his Word and pray. ‘But, but … I pray throughout the day--I listen to Christian music, and...' I'm so glad, Friend, but that is simply not the same as meeting with God first thing, opening your heart and mind to him, asking for him to come and lead you. Consider this: the more that pulls at you, the more you need to pray. The less time you think you have, the more time you need to spend with God.

Here’s your money back guarantee: ->If you’ll first take time to pray, you’ll actually have more time, more peace and more wisdom for everything that comes your way – it’s a matter of priorities and a matter of trust.

When you put God first and rely upon the strength of God’s grace to get things done, you become more effective and more efficient. And perhaps most importantly, you realize it’s not all up to you . If you ask him, God will be up ahead, clearing the path and guiding the way.

I have often wondered if it is possible for me to live a life without regret. I think it is – but I will have to intentionally choose to be in the presence of God, to think his thoughts after him, to speak what he gives me to say, to listen in the way he listens, to do what he gives me to do. Without a doubt, the only way to do any of these things – the only way to live a life without regret - is by starting each morning with a set apart time with God.

Here’s how I set my mind on God and conversely endeavor to get his mind in me every morning. [I know some of you have heard/read this before, but with all things, the good bears repeating] With my Bible, a simple lined notebook and a blue Pilot G-2 pen, fine, I go to my regular meeting place with Jesus, and work a plan that helps order my thinking and guard against distraction.

Set Apart time with God

>Scripture Meditation: Choose a verse or verses, ask God to help you understand, apply. I usually start with a psalm that corresponds to the day of the month; if that particular one is not applicable, I add 30 to it (average of 30 days per month), until I land on one that speaks to me, offering words I can pray to the Father.

And then, so as to best order my mind in prayer, I pray something like this:

>Adoration: "Our Father who art in Heaven . . . hallowed be Thy name," our Savior taught us to pray. Give God his rightful place, and then appreciate him in your own words.

>Confession: "Forgive me of my sins, Lord - purify my heart."

>Asking: Pray for others’ needs, specifically.

Pray for yourself; be sure to ask God for wisdom1, for favor2, and blessing3

>Thanksgiving: I thank you, God, for __________ , ___________ ...

>Listening: Is there something God might emphasize from your Scripture reading? “Speak to me, Lord. I’m listening . . .” Give God some quiet in which to speak. Be still. Write down what you sense he is telling you. Perhaps his speaking is the inner knowing that it is in stillness with him, your strength lies.

Paul said that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.4

Friends, this is how we renew our minds ~ with a set apart time to start the day.

Then no matter what the day brings, we are ready.

No matter the duress, we can know and walk in the peace of God.

A Set Apart daily time with God leads to a well-ordered heart and yes,

peace is possible.

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT-5cP4BeoI&list=RDnT-5cP4BeoI&start_radio=1

You are known and loved,

Christine

Advent Peace