I was fourteen years old when my mom, who was also my best friend, suddenly and tragically left this earth. One day life was going incredibly well. I was a known actress in the Christian world and a young published author, and then my world fell apart. My world was shaken, and I was in desperate need of peace. In my heart of hearts I knew peace was available, but it would only be by leaning into God’s truth and Spirit that I had any hope of finding it. To be honest, my journey to peace started with a lot of questions. I questioned if God was real, and if He was real, I wondered if He was good.
If you’ve ever questioned God’s intentions for you or wondered whether He is good, rest in this truth: God longs for peace to be in control of your heart. He calls you to a life filled with peace, regardless of your circumstances.
Unfortunately, our definition of peace has been distorted and no longer aligns with the Word of God. We often forget God’s definition. The culture’s definition of peace is the absence of conflict and a sense of perfect calm. We can never mistake peace for either of these, because the Bible is clear that we can have peace in the middle of both conflict and calm.
As I’ve walked through the greatest storm and most difficult days of my life, God has been teaching me that peace is found somewhere else all together. Peace isn’t a feeling. It’s a way of living. It’s an intentional and thoughtful perspective. It is then that we gain true peace, which then leads to a better understanding of it.
True peace requires us to let go of the false idea that we are in control and simply rest in God’s sovereignty. Peace exists when we let God hold us, when we accept His grace, and when we let Him love us.
How comforting it is to know that in a world of chaos and in your mind of confusion, God can bring you peace! He is sovereign, which means nothing happens to you or around you that He cannot bring peace into. Once you understand that truth, you are able to live in peace. In resting in God’s sovereignty, you get peace thrown in. In trust, you remain thankful, praising Him for His goodness. And you trust Him, which requires you to know Him.
You begin to know God through various ways. First, you pursue Him in His Word. You can also ask Him for more of His Spirit, expecting Him to open your senses to His presence. In both, listen for the sound of God’s voice, and the posture of His heart for this world and for you.
Your trust will lead to peace, and your peace will lead to a life of loving God greatly.
Love this content? This devotion and 100 more like it can be found in the Young Women Love God Greatly Bible, coming March 2022! Available now for preorder at your favorite booksellers!
Week 6 Challenge:
In Philippians 4:6–8, Paul tells his readers that the peace of Christ guards our hearts. How does meditating on things that are true, worthy of respect, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, or praiseworthy guard our hearts and minds? This week, take time to evaluate your thoughts, making sure to focus on things that match this list.
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