There are times when things happen in my daily life that knocks the wind out of me. Anxiousness crowds out peace and opens the gate for fear, doubt and worry to rush in. It takes effort to return to the place of peace I once enjoyed. One thing I do is to remind myself who God is and why I trust in him. Sometimes all I have time to do is speak the name, Jesus, because he’s always near, a friend that sticks closer than a brother. I might say, “Holy Spirit, I need your wisdom! Calm my heart and return me to my place of confident trust.”

Isaiah 44:6 & 8; The Lord is the king of Israel. The Lord All-Powerful is the one who will set Israel free. And he says, “I am the only God. There are no other gods. I am the Beginning and the End. “Don’t be afraid! Don’t worry. I am the one who always told you what would happen. You are my proof. There is no other God; I am the only one. There is no other ‘Rock’; I know I am the only one.”

I have chosen not to fill my mind with things that will rob me of my peace. I’ve been criticized many times for hiding my head in the sand but truly, that’s not why I don’t watch the news or read the paper. I hear what’s going on with Ebola virus and ISIS, I intercede for those affected and I pray a hedge of protection around my family and our nation. I’m not naive to think that these things could not touch us, but I must do everything possible to protect my peace. I must remember that my God is All-Powerful, the only God. I must remember that He’s the Beginning and the End. I must remember that His angels surround me and that His covenant promises of protection are mine.

Philippians 4:6-7 says; Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have.  And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.

Did you see that? His peace will stand guard over all our thoughts and feelings. He keeps them in check. Not our peace, that is fickle! But HIS peace. Nothing can compare with His peace. Trust me, when it leaves, you know it!

So today as you go about your day and feel the cares of this life trying to drag you out of the peace of God, think on just who God is and what he is able to do. I love what Paul said in Philippians 4:8-9; Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.  And do what you learned and received from me—what I told you and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you.

Father, thank you for your peace. It’s really hard to describe. It’s like a down-filled comforter that keeps out the cold night, wrapping me up all toasty warm. There could be tentacles of ice all around my head but it can’t affect me in my place of peace. Whenever life gets overwhelming and I can’t do a thing about it, I come to you for you alone have the ability to take care of this. I’m absolutely confident that you love me and that it’s your goal to protect me and keep me, to care for me. So while the storm rages on the outside, I’ll be on the inside wrapped in you. No place I’d rather be than here in your arms. Amen