{Since I have not yet read Week Two in "Advent in Narnia", but am daily reading each one listed in the box below (8-14), I am going to begin this week with my part on TRUST and PEACE (the theme for the 2nd week in Advent) and this is one of my favorite verses and verse images from You Version showing PEACE and TRUST in Isaiah 26:3 (even helps us with keeping our minds steadfast as we wait and long for Jesus) ... most of us need to anchor ourselves and our minds these days with our HOPE in Jesus Christ (it should be all of us)}.
[video clips credit: HeartofNarnia; song "Peace" Taylor Swift]
TRUST and PEACE are closely related. In this crazy, upside down world of ours (especially in these days) often it seems like PEACE is more difficult to come by as we struggle to be or find PEACE with others, have PEACE in our own hearts, and ultimately PEACE with God. There's a saying that goes something like this: "No Jesus, No Peace - but know Jesus, know Peace" because Jesus is PEACE, and Jesus brings PEACE. Yet in these days that we are living, I sadly must let you know that the Jesus that too many of us are professing is not anything that resembles the real Jesus Christ; nor is it even appealing to the many who might still need to know Jesus, or understand who He is, or what He's done, or His wonderful teachings of truth and freedom, because we are portraying and reflecting Him so poorly that if they never have known or experienced Him, they certainly are not interested anymore if He is at all like those people are, the ones without compassion, humanity, kindness, or goodness. In fact, the distorted view of His image shown through us and how we speak or act is completely the opposite of the Jesus of Nazareth, that came to save and deliver us as a ransom. Jesus spoke and exemplified a lasting inner PEACE that comes in a personal relationship with Him, providing tranquility in the midst of chaos, crisis, or life's troubles (not causing our lives more trouble, but seeing us through these times). Jesus told the people (which includes us) "... to not let our hearts be troubled and not to be afraid." (John 14:27) Jesus begins by saying: "Peace I leave with you, My Peace I give you. Not as the world gives." as He is preparing to leave and giving them His farewell, reassuring His followers that He is not abandoning them but leaving His Spirit with them (us). How comforting! His presence remains as the Holy Spirit within us. Jesus encourages believers to have faith and TRUST, amidst life's challenges and uncertainties. The connection of PEACE and TRUST cannot be any clearer. Thankfully we are not alone in our struggles or fight. When we put all of our hope and TRUST in God, He will give us PEACE that surpasses all understanding. (Philippians 4:7) I know that there are some of you that can testify to this.😊🙏👏
TRUST brings calm when you cannot see the answer. It does not mean that you will have permanent PEACE, you may need to return frequently to the "well of Truth" and choose to TRUST again. You need to continually reaffirm your TRUST in Him when life is hard and difficulty surrounds you. But this also will develop a greater intimacy (TRUST level) each time with the One who loves you and will not fail, nor abandon you and just leave. If you just come to Him.
When TRUST is established in relationships, even yours with God/Jesus ... it furthers a sense of PEACE and for me, that means security too. In contrast, PEACE can enhance TRUST, as a calm environment allows each of us to feel safe and open so that we can build TRUSTing connections. So TRUST is a foundation for PEACE (and vice versa) because PEACE emerges from and is a result of TRUST. TRUST and PEACE are interlinked; TRUST creates the conditions for PEACE, while PEACE is the result of TRUSTing relationships, as we see in Week Two "Advent in Narnia" (6-12) - PEACE and these scenes in the video are clips from "The Chronicles of Narnia"-The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe; Prince Caspian; Voyage of the Dawn Threader (credit given in YT video description) and also to the song.
The themes of TRUST and PEACE are woven throughout the series of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, that illustrates and conveys moral and spiritual lessons. In "The Chronicles of Narnia," TRUST is a central theme that shapes the relationships between characters. Of course, TRUST and PEACE are personified by the character of Aslan, who represents a figure of hope and salvation. The faith shown through the characters of Narnia in Aslan, lead them to believe (TRUST) that good will triumph over evil {IF ONLY and SOON} particularly during times of darkness, such as the White Witch's reign. In Narnia, {or in my here, and now} TRUST and PEACE are often depicted through the characters' {and ours} faith in Aslan and their {or our} willingness to follow despite the challenges because true PEACE comes from obedience and faith, illustrated by the stories through the characters in Narnia, even in the face of danger and uncertainty. Lucy (Pevensie) is the best character to illustrate and exemplify unwavering TRUST, especially in Aslan, despite her siblings' skepticism. Her faith in Aslan's existence and goodness is a cornerstone of the Narnia narrative. And Aslan, the great lion, represents a figure of TRUST and authority. His presence reassures the characters in Narnia and symbolizes a deeper moral order. Aslan's actions often lead to PEACE in Narnia, particularly through his sacrificial death and resurrection. {Oh how I cried when I saw this part of the story}
Peter and Susan demonstrate courage and TRUST in Aslan during challenging times, which reinforces the idea that faith can lead to PEACE even when the circumstances are dire. The Narnians hold onto the prophecy {as should we} that Aslan will return and bring an end to the White Witch's reign. This belief fosters hope and unity among them. Hopefully it will for us as well. Faith plays a crucial role in achieving PEACE. "Faith is the foundational belief or conviction (often in the unseen) while TRUST is the action or reliance placed upon that faith, growing from experience and leading to reliance." "Faith is internal belief while TRUST is an outward demonstration of confident action placed on that belief." {shared Hebrews 11:1 last week with HOPE}. Clearly faith also is closely related to TRUST, but not the same. I found this out the hard way and perhaps you did also. However, looking deeper at Narnia, we learn more
| 8. Lucy; Jeremiah 1:6-8 (CEB) Novel chap.1&2 9. The Professor; Mark 9:24b Novel chap.5 10. Becoming Like Children; Matthew 18:2-3 11. Edmund; Romans 5:6-8 Novel chap.5 12. Keeping Awake; Mark 13:24-27, 35-37 13. The Fur Coats;*Baruch 5:1-2 Novel chap.6 14. Adam and Eve; Genesis 3:21, 23-24 |
| "God of Peace, as we walk further into the season of Advent, watching and waiting for Your Son, journey with us. Help us to repent for what we have done or left undone. Give us courage to deepen our faith as we face the busy schedules and heightened expectations of the season. All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen" Heidi Haverkamp, "Advent in Narnia: Reflections for the Season", Presbyterian Publishing Corp. |
[I should have included the following video the first Week of Advent,
"Let Peace Begin with Me"
