If you could describe your world right now, in one word, it is chaos.  We have to juggle schedules, meals, grades, emotions, lists, science projects, prom dates, finances, etc…you know those mental lists that have all kinds of chaos attached.  We long for calm, clarity and peace.  We long for Calgon or football to take us away!

The peace of God is worth pursuing because it brings so many added benefits for our lives.  Some of those benefits includes contentment, wisdom and understanding.  Every day fears and worry sneak into our thoughts and insinuate into our hearts, especially when it comes to our children, our families, and the circumstances we face daily.  As we pray for them we long for them to know peace like we also know our Good Shepherd to be.  That kind of peace that is promised over and over in the Bible.

Safety for our children is always the utmost concern for parents.

So how can we pray for more peace in our chaos?  One thing we must accept is that we can only change ourselves, we can’t fix others, but we can pray that God brings peace to our lives in every area that is untouched by God’s grace.  The first step is invite God into our chaos, storms, and every day schedule and let Him order our days.

Once while I was striving to get into shape, I simply asked God to order my day.  I had my quiet time already that day and had so many “to-do’s” on a list that wouldn’t end.  The next thing I know I sensed the Lord spoke to me and urged me to put on my running shoes.  If you are like me, I’m always looking for an excuse to make time for fitness.  I trusted that I heard the Spirit correctly and I politely complied by putting on my running shoes that day.  The next thing I know, I’m out the door and ran an entire mile without stopping.

God taught me peace in letting Him order my day with each to-do item on my mental list.  He brought clarity to my confusion, He brought contentment to my wanting, and He brought a pace to His rhythm of life.  He brought His presence when I focused on Him in needing help to navigate all the things that were weighing me down.

Peace: it’s what we want and long for and it can be felt in so many places that only God knows about.  I want this kind of wellness and spiritual fitness for my children as well.  When you receive this kind of peace you can say from the depths of our souls… “it is well with my soul.”  Peace indeed and we are safe.

Father, let us become more aware more of your presence in our lives.  You are not a God of confusion or chaos but you can bring order to the mess we have made in our lives today.  We pray for peace for own lives, our marriages, and for our children.  We are a people of choice and we choose your peace over fear, your contentment over our unrest, and your wholeness in places where we need healing.  We pray for the peace that passes our understanding and leaves our souls at rest in you and you alone.  Amen.

Take away verses:

Philippians 4:6-7  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Isaiah 26:3  “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

John 14:27  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Philippians 4:9 “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:19  “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”