Inhale (Exhale): Breathing in Grace and Living Out HopeSample

In MercyMe’s early years as a band, there were many days when we had to pray we would have enough gas money to get to the next show. We ate sandwiches on our converted 1973 Silver Eagle bus that had no air conditioning in the summer and only a make-shift (i.e. dangerous) heater in the winter. For a time in Oklahoma, we even lived in an abandoned day care center. Yet, we were content with life because we were having a blast together living out our calling, playing our music, meeting new people, and seeing the country.

After many years of hard work, God allowed us to see the other side of life through blessing us with hit songs, sold-out tours, and a successful movie. Even an investment we made a few years back in a cabin out in the country, where we put in our own recording studio, turned out to be God’s way of providing for us to keep creating music during a global pandemic.

The apostle Paul had a lot to say about choosing peace over the chaos of this world and holding onto hope through hard times. He certainly experienced the gamut of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual battles in his ministry, as the Holy Spirit led him to share encouragement like he did in today’s passage.

After decades of being together as a band, we have a better understanding of Paul’s perspective about God’s peace, faithfulness, and provision. He always arrives right on time. Never early and never late. No matter the state of the world, we all need constant resets and refreshers like today’s passage to stay focused on experiencing the Christ-centered life. 

Here’s a simple breakdown of today’s passage:

• Don’t worry; pray.

• Tell God what you need, and thank Him.

• Experience God’s peace, which exceeds understanding.

• Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise.

• Learn to be content with whatever He has provided at the time.

Which of these five statements most speaks to your biggest need in life right now? How can you apply that truth today?