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Devotional

Longing for Peace

by RACHEL HENDRIKSON PEACE Health issues on the field Quiet time with the Lord
Longing for Peace
  • by RACHEL HENDRIKSON
  • Comment
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7

Have you ever fought for peace?


Not long ago, I found myself in the small, windowless basement room of a hospital waiting to be called to prepare for my MRI. This was a first for me. I had been having some health concerns, and the doctor wanted to rule out a brain tumor. I am afraid of closed-in spaces, so that added additional fear to this situation. My mind was racing with all the possibilities of what the results of the test would show. I was sweating, and fear was very present. 


I brought my Bible with me, and it felt like a sword. It was my sword to fight the fear that was so present around me. I had my ear phones in, listening to worship music while reading verses over and over again. If I stopped, the fear came back. It was a moment-by-moment battle. I needed to engage my mind with the truth that promised peace in any circumstance, regardless of any diagnosis. 


I looked around at the others in the waiting room. Were they feeling the same fear? They might not have had the hope of peace in Jesus that I had. I prayed for them. How hard it would be to face this without Jesus. 


Peace is one of the greatest gifts God gives us. Satan tries to distract us from this, but God extends His peace to us each day and in each moment. Worry and stress can knock hard on our door, but we have the ability, with God’s help, to allow peace to rule our minds. It can be a battle, but God will help us win. Take out your sword to fight every fear with the truth that gives us peace.


Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for the promise of Your peace. We want to pray Philippians 4:4-7 back to You right now and ask that you would have peace reign in our hearts. Help us to be full of joy in You and to rejoice in You in all circumstances. Thank You that You are near. Help us not to worry about anything but to lift all our concerns up to You instead. Thank You for all You have done. I pray for Your peace, which is greater than anything I can understand fully, to guard my heart and my mind in Jesus. Thank You for Your peace. Wrap me in it today, please. I love You. Amen.
Resources
Song: Peace Be Still by Hope Darst This is a beautiful song of encouragement to refocus your thoughts today. Be blessed.
Question for Reflection

What is one thing you’ve found helpful when you are trying to have peace reign in your mind?

Comments
Rachel Hendrikson
August 19, 2021

I am so thankful for the Bible! We have so many verses that speak peace to our soul. One thing I have done is write a Bible verse that encourages me on a piece of paper and put it in my pocket. That way I have it with me throughout the day. Any time those thoughts sneak back in to rob me of peace, I take out the card and read the verses again and refocus my thoughts.