I feel my lips curve in irony as I lean over the keyboard. Peace—this month’s topic–scuttles from my grasp the moment I step out of my prayer closet. Sleep eludes me in the quiet of the night and anxiety fills the space once occupied by peace. Concern about the future. Family. Preparation. Provision. Each worry stakes a claim and steals joy. How do we find peace in troubled times?

 

Peace in Prayer

One of the most helpful disciplines of living in Christ’s peace is memorizing, meditating on, and praying scripture. When my spirit grows anxious or worry threatens sleep, I recite the comforting words of Psalm 121 (NKJV) and imagine God’s strength.His ability to shamar, or keep, His vulnerable sheep. Shamar conveys the idea of a shepherd who builds an impenetrable hedge of thorns around his flock to dissuade predators from attacking them in the evening. As someone who lives in the shadow of Pikes Peak, the words of this Psalm propel me closer to God’s heart and deeper into his keeping.

As you read through this song of Ascents, consider replacing each I, my, you, or your with your first name.

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps (shamar) you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps (shamar) Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper (shamar);
The Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve (shamar) you from all evil;
He shall preserve (shamar) your soul.
The Lord shall preserve (shamar) your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.

 

The beauty of this song points us toward Christ, our Great Shepherd. and reminds us of the Father’s unchanging love and care for us now and in eternity. What comfort knowing He guides and guards us through the challenges of today as He directs our feet toward our forever home!

 

The Peace of God in the Middle of the Storm

Christ never misinformed His disciples. Those who follow after Christ should expect trouble. (John 16:33) If the one to whom we claim allegiance dealt with grief, sorrow, and tribulation, why do we expect anything different? Yet, He empathizes with our struggle.

After a full day of ministering to large crowds, Jesus chartered a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee and left His disciples—some of whom were experienced sailors—at the helm while He enjoyed some well-deserved sleep.  But a sudden and fierce gale thrashed the vessel, its massive waves almost capsizing the boat.

The men, frustrated with Jesus seeming lack of involvement, complained, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38) Have you ever been in the same position? Feeling as though life’s circumstances might topple you?

I believe Jesus slept through the tumult because He rested in the Father. The Son abided in such completeness with God that “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) permeated every moment of His life—whether awake of asleep. But did you notice? The moment the cries of those He loved reached His ears, the Prince of Peace commanded the storm to quiet. Then? He asked, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

Even with Peace reclining in the boat, Christ’s companions allowed anxiety and fear to rule their hearts. How much better for the Lord to dwell in us? Oh, that Jesus would maintain His rightful position in our lives—even as we look to Him for peace in troubled times.

 

Beautiful Bible Verses About Peace

• Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

 

• The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

 

• Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

 

 

• If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18

 

• In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

 

• And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

 

• Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

 

• You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:7-8

 

• Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

 

• Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
  in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

 

• God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

 

Peace and grace,

Tammy

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