Day 11

Can you think of a time you experienced deep inner peace? Maybe you were sitting by a lake enjoying an incredible sunset, or you were at home surrounded by your family, or you were laughing with your best friends, and you thought, This is what it’s all about. I wish I could feel this way forever.

Peace is truly a gift, and it’s the theme of the second simple prayer I want to share with you. During my fifteen minutes alone with God in the morning, I often pray, “Jesus, give me Your Peace.”

God’s Peace is different than the world’s peace. The peace that comes from our circumstances comes and goes, but God’s Peace remains even in the most difficult circumstances. Jesus told His disciples, “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 14:27).

Earlier we looked at Philippians 4:6–7. “Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything.” This is the key: turn to God with your needs and offer thanks for all He has done. Through this process, you unlock God’s Peace, a Peace that serves as a Sentinel, guarding your heart and mind as you abide in Christ Jesus.

This Truth is reinforced in 1 Peter 5:7: “Give God all your worries and cares, for He cares about you.” Your worries often revolve around the things dearest to your heart—the things you care about the most. God invites you to make an exchange, to entrust Him with your concerns, and receive His Peace.

If you are in need of peace, take a few moments to give your worries and cares to God. Remind yourself that He loves you and cares for you. Then ask Him for the peace your heart longs for. “Jesus, give me Your Peace.”

Questions for Reflection

1. According to Philippians 4:6–7, what is the antidote to worry and anxiety? In what ways do these verses encourage you to address your own concerns and fears?
2. How does understanding that God cares for the things and people that you care about give you greater peace?
3. Do you need more peace? What are the worries and cares that you should surrender to God?