Peace Is to Be Proclaimed
Advent Week Four, Day Seven
Isaiah 52:7

Focus: “…how beautiful... are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness…”

The idea of beautiful feet might seem strange to the modern reader, but the meaning is simple: God values the message of peace so much that he expects his children to spread the word, and when they do, it is a beautiful thing.

Whenever a follower of Jesus responds obediently to God’s call for sharing the gospel with others, he becomes a peace-bearing messenger, commissioned to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ with those he encounters. What stands in your way today? Are you distracted? Uncertain? Feeling insecure? Have confidence and know that God has equipped you to share the message of salvation with those closest to you.

One of my favorite hymns, written by Horatio G. Spafford, is “It is Well with My Soul.” This text has impacted people everywhere, myself included. Its depiction of peace rings true concerning both the presence of God in times of trial and the glorious triumph of Christ over sin. I pray its message will fill you with a determination to speak peace to the people you meet today.

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, O the bliss of this glorious thought:
My sin, not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more.
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, o my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight;
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll.
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well, with my soul.