Finding Peace in God’s Promise

“Our peace as Christians shouldn’t be in our situations, but rooted in God’s promises.”
 — Pastor Anthony Lombardi

This message from Pastor Anthony Lombardi continues The Tree Church’s Christmas series, A Patchwork Christmas: Ordinary People, Extraordinary God. Recorded after a weather-related service cancellation, the teaching turns attention to a lesser-known figure in the Christmas story and highlights how God works through faithful, ordinary people. Using Luke chapter 2, Pastor Anthony walks through the story of Simeon and shows how peace is found not in circumstances, but in trusting God’s promises.

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly chooses to work through people who are not powerful, influential, or well-known. The Christmas story itself reflects this pattern. Mary was a young, unknown girl. Joseph was a humble carpenter. And Simeon was a man most people have never heard of.

This pattern reveals something important about God’s character. He is an extraordinary God who delights in using ordinary people. Faithfulness, not significance, is what places someone within God’s story.

Pastor Anthony illustrates this truth by pointing to historical examples of ordinary individuals whose lives were marked by simple obedience and trust in God. Their stories often remained hidden until long after their lifetimes, yet God worked powerfully through them.

Luke 2 describes Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to the temple after forty days, in obedience to the Law of Moses. According to Jewish law, Mary was required to offer a sacrifice for purification, and Jesus, as her firstborn son, was to be presented to the Lord.

The sacrifice they bring reveals their humble circumstances. Instead of a lamb, they offer two birds, an allowance made for those who could not afford more. Even in this detail, the story reminds us that God chose to bring His Son into the world through people of modest means.

This moment of obedience sets the stage for Simeon’s entrance into the story.

Simeon is introduced simply as a man in Jerusalem who was righteous and devout. Scripture tells us very little about his background, but it clearly emphasizes his relationship with God. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, the promised Messiah who would bring deliverance to God’s people.

The Holy Spirit plays a central role in Simeon’s life. The Spirit was upon him. The Spirit revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. And the Spirit led him into the temple on the very day Mary and Joseph arrived with Jesus.

Simeon recognized Jesus not because of outward signs, but because he was spiritually attentive. His ability to see what others missed flowed directly from the way he walked with God.

One of the key lessons from Simeon’s life is that he heard from God because he walked with God. He was not a prophet, a priest, or a religious leader. He was simply faithful.
Scripture describes Simeon as righteous and devout. Righteous means he sought to live in obedience to God. Devout means he pursued God intentionally through prayer and devotion. He was not perfect, but he was faithful.

Pastor Anthony explains that a meaningful relationship with God does not happen accidentally. It must be cultivated. Just as healthy relationships require time, attention, and effort, so does a relationship with God.

Many people desire clarity, direction, and peace from God without prioritizing time with Him. Simeon’s life reminds us that spiritual depth grows from daily pursuit, not occasional interest.

A thriving relationship with God is not something people stumble upon. It grows through intentional choices. Pastor Anthony compares this to marriage. Healthy marriages do not happen by accident. They are built through commitment, communication, and perseverance.

In the same way, walking with God requires consistency. The more time spent seeking Him, the more familiar His voice becomes. Over time, trust deepens, and confidence in God’s presence grows.

This kind of relationship prepares people for seasons of waiting.

Simeon waited for God’s promise to be fulfilled. Scripture does not tell us how long, but it is clear that waiting was part of his story. Yet he did not abandon his faith during that season.

Waiting is often one of the most difficult aspects of following God. It exposes impatience, uncertainty, and fear. Pastor Anthony shares personal examples of how waiting can feel uncomfortable and frustrating, especially in a culture accustomed to immediate results.

Still, waiting is often where trust is formed. In those seasons, people must decide whether they truly believe God is faithful.

When Simeon finally holds Jesus in his arms, he experiences peace. Not because his circumstances suddenly changed, but because God kept His word.

Simeon declares that he can now depart in peace because his eyes have seen God’s salvation. His peace flowed from confidence in God’s character. God did what He promised.

Pastor Anthony emphasizes that Christian peace is not rooted in situations. It is rooted in God’s promises. God’s promises are backed by His faithfulness, His power, and His character.

This kind of peace sustains people through uncertainty and strengthens perseverance when answers have not yet arrived.

Simeon recognizes that Jesus is not only the Messiah for Israel, but the Savior for all people. He declares that Jesus is a light for the Gentiles and the glory of Israel.

This moment reveals the expansive nature of God’s plan. Salvation is not limited to a select group. It is offered to everyone.

Pastor Anthony challenges listeners to consider whether they truly see Jesus for who He is. Jesus is not merely a teacher or a historical figure. He is the fulfillment of humanity’s deepest longings.

Every search for meaning, identity, and peace ultimately points to Him.

Simeon’s story does not end with personal fulfillment. He announces what God has done. His encounter with Jesus becomes an invitation for others.

God’s desire is not only that people experience salvation personally, but that they extend that invitation to others. This includes people who are difficult, broken, or even considered enemies.

Grace is necessary because no one is worthy on their own. Jesus came because everyone needs a Savior.

The message closes with a reminder that God invites ordinary people into His story. He is not looking for perfection, status, or influence. He is looking for availability and faithfulness.

Those who seek God, walk with Him, and trust His promises will experience His presence. Like Simeon, they may find that peace comes not from control, but from confidence in who God is.

The Tree Church is a welcoming church community with campuses in Lancaster and Logan, Ohio, offering Sunday services at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Each campus provides a place for individuals and families to grow in faith, build relationships, and discover hope through Jesus.

Lancaster Campus 721 N Memorial Dr, Lancaster, OH 43130
Logan Campus 36 Hocking Mall, Logan, OH 43138