Peace in the Storm 

We are living in tumultuous times. There are wars and rumors of wars, deadly viruses, quarantines, loss of businesses, corruption at all levels of government, dishonest media, and opposing voices across the political spectrum. People are living with anxiety, depression, health issues, and fear of the unknown, oftentimes we’re scrolling endlessly on our devices to figure out what to do next and how to survive the spiritual storms of life. 

It is difficult, if not seemingly impossible, for Christians to live at peace. But, the Apostle Paul told us how to live in peace. He said, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” Colossians 3:15-16.

Here’s the truth bomb, our ability to live in peace is directly tied to being focused on praising God, serving other people, and having an attitude of gratitude. Paul gave us some practical advice to accomplish this. He said,

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about these things.” Philippians 4:6-8.

Here’s a challenge for us. Use the attributes, which Paul says we should think about, and pose them as questions to meditate upon at the beginning of your day. For example, choose one or more and ask yourself:
What is true in my life today? 
What is noble? 
What is going right in my life? 
What is pure? 
What is lovely? 
What is admirable? 
Where might I find excellence today? 
What is worthy of praise? 

Then, as you move through your day, ask God to give you spiritual eyes to see those things for which you can be grateful, and be sure to write them down in a notepad or prayer journal. The answers will vary from day to day and week to week. By keeping track and writing them down, it will be a blessing to look back and see how God is working in your life. 

By being mindful of the blessings in our lives, we can foster attitudes of gratitude, so that God’s peace can rule in our hearts.

Let’s pray, 
Dear Lord, help us to stay focused on our blessings and have thankful hearts so that we can be useful in your kingdom. Amen.

Check out our Prayer Journals, Notepads, and Bible Study Guides.


Copyright 2021 S. A. Keith
Photo credit Mic Narra | Unsplash.com

Return to the Adult and Teen Devotionals page.

You can make a difference! 
Your donation to the site helps us distribute our children's ministry resources to churches across the world.

 Subscribe to our Newsletter - Learn More