Finding Peace In the Waiting

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. Isaiah 40: 1-5

How is your anxiety level as we get closer to Christmas? Are you making progress on your to-do list? Most of us will fall somewhere in between; it will never be completely done, and things are starting to come together. Finding peace can often be a challenge in the busyness of these days. However, it is nothing compared with Hedviga Golik’s story.

Hedviga Golik died alone in her parking lot-sized, 190-square-foot, one-room attic apartment in Zagreb, Croatia. However, the tragedy was not her death but how long it was before anyone discovered her body. No one came to investigate her disappearance for 42 years, even though she resided atop a four-story apartment building surrounded by other buildings. Finally, in May 2008, her door was broken down, and Golik’s mummified body was found lying in her bed with an empty tea cup next to her.

Golik’s disappearance from others’ lives was a complex story. She had told neighbors she would be gone for an indeterminate period. She was known for her eccentric lifestyle and frequent mood swings. During those 42 years, a war broke out in Yugoslavia, neighbors were involved in an ownership dispute over the supposedly empty apartment, and life just got busy. A tired nurse that night fixed herself a cup of tea and then simply vanished from anyone’s thoughts.

If someone were to ask you how much God loves you, what would you say? There are several good theological answers, but Christmas and Easter are the two most powerful responses you can give. “The Maker of the stars and sea, Become a child on earth for me.” (Poet John Betjeman)

“The joy he has in the Son, he has in us. The eternal commitment he has to the Son he has for us. We cannot fully understand God’s love for us by simply comparing it to human love. If you want to understand how much God loves you, meditate on his love for His Son. God’s love for you is at no greater risk than his love for his Son, and that is the best of news.” (Paul David Tripp)

I don’t know if Hedviga Golik had an answer that night she stepped into eternity. John understood fully when he penned the introduction to his gospel account, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. (John 1:1,4,9)

“The true light has come. The message of the gospel is startling because it is true. It arrests attention, transforms hearts, changes destinations, and reshapes nations. It is good news for all, equally beautiful for every age and stage of life. It reaches every tribe, every tongue, every nation, announcing the evangelion, the good news: Jesus has arrived, and his light and life are a message of love for all.” (Sarah Yardley)

The popular Bible app, YouVersion, announced this week in a press release that its most-engaged verse for 2025 was Isaiah 41:10. This announcement and the selected verse are perfect as we focus on peace during the second week of the Advent season for Christmas. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Bobby Gruenewald, YouVersion’s CEO, commenting on the verse, said, “In a world full of anxiety and uncertainty, people are drawn to God’s promise to be with us, to strengthen us, and to help us. That message never gets old because the need for it is universal and timeless.”

In a world filled with tension, brokenness, and unrest, two of the most relevant titles for  Jesus during this time in history are Emmanuel and Prince of Peace. Wherever we are in our life stage, we can take great comfort in calling on Emmanuel, God with Us. (Matthew 1:23). When we face anxiety and anxiousness, what a great comfort and assurance it is that Jesus is the one who walks with us. In these times, He brings overwhelming peace in our most difficult and stressful situations. Thankfully, we do not have to walk through dark times alone or without help.

Come, Emmanuel, Prince of Peace, shine your light into the darkest places, that the world might witness the brightness of your glory, full of grace and truth. (Sarah Yardley)

Traditional Christmas carols usually do not include “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus,” but maybe they should, as we face the last three weeks of the Christmas season. Just maybe we need to find time in our busy schedules to simply be with Jesus.

“O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free! Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim. In the light of his glory and grace.” (Baptist Hymnal, p 198, Helen Lemmel)

Come, Lord Jesus. Fill me afresh with your light that my life may shine brightly. Give me eyes to see this Christmas season those who are lonely, hurting, sad, and hopeless. Let me be an instrument of peace in their lives.

God is great!