STAYED Seven P's of Perfect Peace 21-Day Guided DevotionalSample

For the third time through the devotional, at the end of your morning meditation, we suggest spending a few minutes trying to commit a verse or two to memory. Alternatively, if there is a particular verse jumping out at you, open your Bible and explore the passage in more depth.

Pause Let all the thoughts you had coming into this time fall at the feet of Jesus, either symbolically or literally, on your knees if possible. Find a quiet place and be still; recognize any stress or striving and give it to Jesus.

Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. (Psalm 46:10, NLT)

Place Thank God for where you are right now physically, as well as where you are at in this station in life (student, staff, employee, parent, child, any other role). You do not need to be anywhere else during this time. God is the sole focus of your attention during this time, and you can rest knowing He has provided this place for you.

But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. (Matthew 6:6, NLT)

Person The center of your life is the relationship you have with the Father, through the person of Jesus Christ. Your worth does not come from what you do, but who you are as God’s child. Find your identity in Him.

So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27, NLT)

Presence Wait on the Spirit of God. He may not come to you in a moment, but He will come. He may not make Himself physically felt to you, but He is still there. He wants to be with you and you with Him—it is the very last thing He prayed before He faced the cross. You have been on His mind for a long time. He loves you and loves this time with you.

Even when I walk through the dark valley of death. I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me. (Psalm 23:4, NLT)

Purpose First, remember that you have one. You were created by God for His glory and your enjoyment of Him. Second, know that He can infuse meaning into every part of your life right here and now...even the parts that don’t make sense.

God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:8-10, NLT)

Pleading Knowing that you are loved and that God is caring for you every step of the way, let Him know what is going on in your heart. Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you. Also, use this time to intercede for others, praying for them as the Spirit leads and entrusting them to the care of the Lord.

So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6:31-33, NLT)

Praise Sing a song or put some music on if you are able to. We have provided some songs for you, or you may use whatever music you prefer. Music is a powerful tool for marrying the truth of God with the beauty of melody and harmony. Our hearts are drawn to beauty, and music can help us establish God’s truth in the deepest places inside of us. If you are in a place where playing music is not an option, meditate on the given verses of praise.

Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. (Ephesian 5:18-19, NLT)

Know that as you get up to leave this sacred time, you can revisit these Scriptures and principles throughout the day. You can pause (even for a few seconds, or even just internally while you are processing other things) at any time during the day and thank God for the place where you are currently. Remember that you are a person created to be filled with the very presence of God. He has a glorious purpose for you—allow Him to work it in and through you. When the pain and problems of life arise, surrender to the loving care of the Lord, knowing that He is with you, working out His plan. Serve others by pleading to the Lord on their behalf, and lift your heart in praise to Him for His goodness throughout the day.

Today’s Song Track 1, Seek Me