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My Peace

This week, as we continue in the “Following Jesus” series, we are studying the idea of peace in the midst of an unpeaceful reality. I’d like to begin with a simple prayer, and I hope will join along as we continue in today’s devotion:

Holy Spirit, my Peaceful Comforter, help me to consider Your word today as I take time to examine what it means to live in peace – even when situations and things around me may not be peaceful. I welcome Your presence in my life today and in these next few moments of reflection. Amen.

John 14:27 (NLT)
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.”

John 16:33 (NLT)
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

In today’s social media culture, we are constantly inundated by ads and influencers who try to convince us that we need their product, or we are not complete until we follow their regimen, or we will not be happy until we buy that something “the internet made me buy.” But the empty space and longing for peace of mind goes even deeper than that. The world continuously tries to entice us with things, and can sometimes trick us into believing it can provide us with the answer to resolve our problems, issues, and sorrows. However, as long as we are living in this broken world, everything it offers will only be a sad substitute and will never last. In today’s scripture, Jesus encourages us to look to Him when the world attempts to pacify us. It is through the powerful work done by Jesus that we can rest in the deep, soulful peace we all so desperately search for.

Are you experiencing a loss of peace in your life right now? Take a moment and ask God to help you identify the root cause or issue that is depriving you of His perfect peace.

Is there something you run to in order to feel a substitute version of peace? What is one practical way that you can exercise running to God for a refilling of His peace, instead of running to the things that only give you a quick, temporary good feeling?

After spending some time to reflect on these questions, take your fears and needs to God in honest prayer. Here are a few prompts to help get you started.

Ask God to help you identify and daily welcome His perfect peace in your life when things become tough or overwhelming.

Ask God to reassure you and walk with you the next time you are feeling afraid, overwhelmed, or sorrowful.

May God’s perfect peace encourage and strengthen you today as you walk in His way!

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