Almighty God, throughout time You have revealed Your power through miracles and made calm out of chaos through Your peace. From Your dwelling place in Heaven, You look down on Your people to insure that they receive an ample supply of Your peace. Though my enemies come to surround me with confusion and fear, You help me through these times with calming faith, overcoming power and hope for tomorrow. Because I am confident that You hear me when I call, I receive peace from knowing that You are with me. I also feel Your peace, like a blanket wrapped around me, when I read and absorb Your Word. In meditating on Your teachings and warnings, I am lead to a righteous life. Many people today long for peace of mind … I attain it each time I express my love for You, obey Your commands or seek Your help. In my troubled world, living for You always yields an abiding peace.
You promised in Your Word that when a man’s ways are pleasing to You, You will cause others to live in peace with him. I often find myself wanting others to like me, but You tell me that my energy should be focused on pleasing You. In doing so, I am made more acceptable to those around me. Sometimes I feel like my problems will cause a separation between us but, when I call out to You and You respond, I feel Your peace once again. Fear and worry are replaced in my life by Your encouragement, hope and peace. You are a light shining into the darkness I face and, with it, You guide me in the ways that lead to peace. When You departed from the earth to return to Your heavenly home, Your last words to Your Apostles were “Peace be with you.” I am glad that Your parting wish was one of peace which buoys me in times of turmoil.
When speaking to Your Apostles, You stated “Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and be not afraid.” The reason You urge me not to chase after the peace of the world is because it is fleeting and finicky. I can be overjoyed with my stock holdings in good times and then get panicky when the market crashes. I can be at peace in a relationship with another person and then when the other party calls it quits, I am put into turmoil. With Your peace there are the elements of permanence and quiet rest. The lasting effect of Your peace is administered though the Holy Spirit. He helps me realize that in all circumstances everything will work out for my good if I stay connected to You. Therefore, true peace comes from being in harmony with You. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.