Be Still: 30 Devotions for the Hopeful HeartSample

Posture of Peace

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. ISAIAH 26:3 NIV

Have you ever met someone who seemed to have a supernatural ability to be unaffected when life threw them curveballs? They received no warning and yet they never lost their peace or gave up hope.

We probably all have someone who immediately comes to mind. We envy their steadfastness. They challenge our own hearts—“Lord, I want whatever that is.”

Of all the riches we own and of all the qualities we admire, there is nothing richer than a life of peace. In fact, if we really think about it, when we are striving and reaching and working to attain more, isn’t that what we are actually after? We want to wake up, enjoy our days, practice contentment, and know that our heavenly Father is trustworthy. We want to be people of peace, especially when the unexpected arises or struggles are present. Peace is not reserved for pastors, Bible study leaders, or worship teams. It is God’s desire for all of us to experience peace so that we will stand out in today’s world. When we spend time being still, allowing our mind to grab hold of truth and not be distracted by what’s around us, we give margin for peace to flow within us and from us.

This posture of peace is a decision. Having a posture of peace doesn’t mean having an event-free life. We will all face harsh circumstances, tough decisions, and painful events. But God’s peace “surpasses all understanding,” meaning that we can rest in Him no matter what comes our way. It means carrying His peace inside us. Our desire to have a peaceful life is already God at work.

Today, let’s focus on keeping our gaze ahead, allowing our spine to fully strengthen itself in courage and our focus to be on pursuing peace. It is not enough to just believe He is God; we must believe that God wants to be great in us.

Dear Jesus, thank You for the richest gift we could ever ask for in this life—Your peace. When we begin to feel pressured or worried, recalibrate our minds. Your promises are true, and Your way is peace. In Jesus’s name, amen.