Daily Devotional

If I came up to you right now and asked, “Are you experiencing peace in your life right now?”, what would you say? When we gather at church, we look at each other with a smile on our face and say “God bless you”, and we think that means we’re all at peace. But if we’re being honest, a lot of us are not experiencing peace in our lives right now.
 
What are some ‘peace killers’? Negative emotions like anger, anxiety, fear, and sadness kill peace. Dwelling on negative thoughts like self-criticism and feelings of inadequacy can kill peace. Setting your goals too high can create constant pressure and disappointment. Putting things off till the last minute leads to guilt and anxiety. Dwelling on past regrets and worrying about the future kills peace. Not accepting what you have right now, dwelling on what could be, or what used to be, kills peace. Unhealthy relationships, work, loneliness, and school all can kill peace. And certainly unrepentant sin can kill peace.
 
Lasting peace comes from having a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. When our lives are built on God and His Word, we have peace. When our lives are built on what the world has to offer, we don’t have peace (Matthew 7:24–27).
 
Here are five observations about lasting peace…
1. Peace comes from God
John 14:27 - Peace I leave you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
Peace is a gift from our Lord Jesus. It is a lasting peace which is distinct from the temporary and unreliable peace that the world offers.
 
2. Peace starts with prayer and trust
Philippians 4:6–7 - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 26:3 - The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. When we pray for our requests, while being thankful for what God has provided, that leads to peace. And trusting God through the challenges of life leads to peace. Cast your cares on Him.
 
3. Peace through the challenges
John 16:33 - These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.
We will face challenges. And I don’t know about you, but knowing Jesus has already overcome the world’s challenges gives me peace.
 
4. Peace in God’s presence
Psalm 29:11 - The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless HIs people with peace.

God’s strength in our lives leads to peace. And as we draw near to God, He has promised to draw near to us (James 4:8). How do we draw near to God and sense His presence? We pray, read Scripture, meditate and reflect. And as we grow closer to God, we will experience His peace.
 
5. Peace in the Church
Romans 14:19 - So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
Everything about being in community in the local church should build you up and lead to peace. We need each other. You should leave church energized each week. Built up through small group Bible studies and prayer. Built up through praise and worship, giving, and the reading and preaching of the Word. Then as we stand in the courtyard after service, we should have real conversations about things that matter. Share what’s going on. Seek prayer. Find advice. Just offer a listening ear. Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
 
If you are not experiencing peace in your life right now, pray and ask God, and He will give it. Find a Christian friend who knows the Word and share what’s going on. Don’t walk alone. 

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
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