Devotional for Peace
The definition of peace is freedom from disturbance. Synonyms are tranquility, restfulness, calm, and quietness.
Doesn't that sound wonderful? We often seek peace, but it can feel elusive.
There is constantly something going on or needs attending to. Work schedules, school schedules, extracurricular schedules.
I wake up at 5:05 Monday-Friday. (I know weird times. Really it's just a mind game for myself to believe that I'm not getting up right at 5:00.) But I get up this early because the house is peaceful. The rest of the family is still sleeping. My husband's alarm goes off at 6:30 and my two children's alarms go off at 7:30.
This time alone has become something I look forward to! I get up, workout and then read my bible, and pray.
I realized I needed this time every morning. I love being a wife, mom, and a therapist and life coach, but without my designated time with God every morning I get too depleted.
We can also find peace in the midst of chaos. Leaning into God and focusing on Him allows us peace no matter the circumstance!
There are so many times each day that I seek God when I am meeting with my therapy clients. Whether they believe in God or not, I want to provide them a place of peace and comfort that is beyond me. Amid couples arguing with each other, teenagers scowling at me, or children opening up their broken hearts, I need Him!
While my job means people specifically come to me with their distress that doesn't mean you don't deal with the distress of others on a daily basis, too! Children bickering, squabbles with the spouse, office politics, the news...it's all around us. Chaos.
In marriage and family life, God’s peace looks like:
- Choosing calm words when everything inside wants to explode
- Praying together in the middle of the fight instead of walking away
- Creating a ‘peace corner’ or 10-minute quiet time you both protect
- Speaking blessing over your spouse and kids even when the house is chaos
- Letting Jesus be the third person in every argument so His peace can referee
We can also have peace through our Heavenly Father, who wants us to come to Him so he can give us our moments of tranquility and calm.
Take the time to read the below bible scriptures and truly focus on what they are saying to you. Some passages may touch you differently than others. Writing down the verses in your own hand is helpful for some individuals. Possibly looking up the verses in your Bible may be beneficial. I use a NIV bible translation. Or reading them over and over to commit to memory. Whatever method works best for you to experience God's words and feel closer to Him.
Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Psalm 4:8
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 85:8
I will listen to what God the Lord will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints-but let them not return to folly.
Romans 8:6
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.
Isaiah 26:3-4
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Isaiah 57:18-20
I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will guide him and restore comfort to him, creating praise on the lips of the mourners in Israel. "Peace, peace, to those far and near," says the Lord. "And I will heal them." But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud.
Here's a quick prayer if you're struggling to find the words:
Father, our home is loud and my heart is louder. I’m exhausted and the chaos feels bigger than me. Thank You for the peace Jesus bought on the cross and the peace He breathes into us by His Spirit. Quiet the storm inside me and around me right now. Guard our marriage and family with the peace that passes understanding. Let Your calm be contagious in our home today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Try one of these today:
- Stop whatever you’re doing for 60 seconds, put your hand on your chest, breathe slowly, and pray Philippians 4:7 out loud.
- Text or tell your spouse or a close friend one thing you’re thankful for about them—no matter how crazy the day is.
- When tension rises today, pause and pray together (even silently), ‘Jesus, give us Your peace right now.’
I sincerely pray that these scriptures meet you where you are today and you experience the peace of our Heavenly Father.
God Bless
Melissa
