A Prayer to Feel God’s Peace During a Dark Time - Your Daily Prayer - July 24

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When a new year begins, I select a word for the year. For one year, I chose the word “peace.” Peace would be the word of the year because peace is something that is hard to come by in my life. Normally, the soundtrack of my life is stress, depression, alternating with anxiety, and emptiness.

While this can sound a bit glum, it is important to be honest with our feelings. Many people struggle to cultivate peace in their lives. Due to the chronic stress of the day, it can feel impossible to ever feel calm, happy, or content with life. We always feel like we have to be doing something productive. Other times, peace eludes us because we keep running into problems.

I'm still yearning for peace, yet it always escapes me. As much as I try to hold on to it when it comes, it is as quick as the breeze of the wind. Another stressful event happens, and I’m back into a state of distress.

None of us is promised a peaceful life, but there is nothing wrong with asking the Lord to surround us with His peace. In the same way, all of us will face hardships in this world, yet it doesn't have to get the best of us.

God will bring beauty from ashes, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). He can turn the worst situation into something that is full of beauty.

Although we might not see it at the time, God is always bringing light from darkness. We just need to turn to Him, rest in His presence, and accept the peace He alone can provide.

The Apostle Paul tells us, “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 4:6-7).

This passage of Scripture has been one of my favorite passages for a long time. It helps me to know that I can go to God with any trouble, worry, or concern. I don't have to hide my troubles from Him, and neither do you.

God cares about every single struggle, worry, and thought that is passing through your head (1 Peter 5:7). Never feel afraid to bring them to Him. His peace is perfect in every way, and He can give you the comfort that you need.

Regardless of the reason you are lacking peace in your life, turn to God. Allow His peace that surpasses all understanding to guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. God wants you to come to Him and truly soak in His peace. His peace will help us to remember that we are loved beyond words.

Accepting His peace into our lives will change how we live. We will feel more confident and at ease with the world around us. Troubles will continue to occur, but we won't be as stressed about them because we will be walking in the peace of Jesus.

Let's pray:

“Dear God, Your peace is amazing, and I pray that You help me to experience it. Bring my heart to You and allow my feet to stand before You with a steady foundation. Through prayer and petitioning, and a heart of thanksgiving, I will present my requests to You. Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Thank You for this promise, God. I often don't feel Your peace, but I know that it is there. Please help me feel your peace every day, and when I don't, help me remember that it is always there. I need comfort and solace, not more sleepless and worrisome nights. Thank You for blessing me with Your peace, God. In Your Son's Name I pray, Amen.”

Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: Kenny Eliason / unsplash

Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate.

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