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

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.

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to Me and resting in Me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15, 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.

From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us. (Acts 17:26-27, NIV)

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.

See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are! (1 John 3:1, 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.

Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. (Hebrews 6:18b-19, 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.

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan from before the beginning of time—to show us His grace through Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:9, 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.

But You, Sovereign Lord, help me for Your name’s sake; out of the goodness of Your love, deliver me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.(Psalm 109:21-22, NIV)

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.

For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to His name. (Hebrews 13:14-15, 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 3, Have Your Way In Me, Lord