Scripture
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Worship
"Give Me Your Peace" by Gateway Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh53815Zzho
Devotional
We all long to experience peace, yet finding peace can be somewhat of a mystery. Peace may be best described by what it’s not more than what it is.
Peace is the absence of fear.
Peace is the absence of anxiety.
Peace is the absence of worry.
Peace is the absence of “what-if.”
Peace is the absence of “if only.”
Peace is not something we produce, but instead is something we create space to receive from the Author of Peace. Hear and receive these words from Philippians 6:6-7:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
In a world overshadowed by COVID-19, creating space for peace does not come easily. Everywhere we look we are presented with reasons to be fearful, and reasons to question whether or not things will be okay. Yet in the midst of the chaos and the noise, there is an invitation to experience the peace of God that “surpasses all understanding.” You can accept God’s invitation into peace today through “prayer, and supplication with thanksgiving.”
Prayer at times may sound daunting or mysterious, but is simply a conversation with God from a place of self-awareness. He wants to talk to you. He wants to know how you feel. But in order for that conversation to happen, you need to know how you feel. You need to see and validate the reality of stress, fear, and anxiety.
The pathway to experiencing peace begins with a conversation with a loving God that cares for you. You can talk to God today like you would with a parent or a close friend.
Supplication is another mysterious and rarely used word that simply means to ask. God invites us to ask Him for things! In your conversation with God, share your needs, your worries, your questions. Ask him to take care of you, to guide you, to comfort you. And while you’re asking, take a moment to thank him for listening and caring for you.
There is peace for you today in Christ that’s available regardless of the circumstances that surround you. As you take time even now to have a conversation with God, assess where you most need peace, and make space for God to meet you in profound and transformative ways.
Guided Prayer
- Meditate on God’s desire to give you peace. God does not desire for you to carry fear, anxiety, or worry. And as you reflect, assess where you need peace the most.
“May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!” (Psalm 29:11)
- Have a conversation with God. Share how you feel. Share what you need. Let God know what has been keeping you awake or causing you to fear.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
- Receive God’s peace. Spend a moment in silence and stillness, allowing God’s presence to comfort and encourage you.
Go
Peace can be easy to lose if we aren’t careful to guard our hearts and our minds. Be careful today to limit your exposure to things that cause you to worry and fear. If you experience anxiety every time you turn on the TV, then limit how often you watch it. If you become fearful by spending time on social media, then take a break for a while. Remember that God is always available and eager to spend time with you. His peace is not a one-time offer, but is continually available for those that choose to respond to his invitation. How will you respond today?
Resources
For more resources like this from First15, check out this free download, Peace: Finding Rest in a Stressed-Out World.
*This content has been adapted from a First15 Devotional Series by Craig Denison / First15 (View Website)
