Peace in the Noise

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

ISAIAH 26:3

TAKE A MOMENT AND do nothing but listen to what’s happening around you right now.

What did you hear? Silence? A noisy family? The TV? Maybe you’re outside and the sounds of nature are around you. Whatever you hear, does it sound peaceful to you? Why or why not?

Peace is a gift. And peace sounds different to everyone. Sometimes it’s the quiet. Sometimes it’s a noisy family. Sometimes it’s the sense that everything is okay, that the people we love are well, and that things are going the way they’re supposed to. Peace can come in the middle of unhappy situations too. We may feel peace when things are going all wrong—when people fight, a loved one dies, or bad things happen. Peace comes from God, because God always cares for and protects us. He is still there, the same as always. And whether life is going great or it’s stumbling along, he gives us peace because we know he’s in control. He has overcome the world. He’s got us in the palm of his hand.

Peace is a wonderful thing. When we love and trust God, we get to experience his peace—the peace of knowing that whatever happens, good or bad, God is in charge and he’s looking out for us. So enjoy the peace around you, no matter what it sounds like to your ears.

DO

Draw a picture of the most peaceful thing you can think of. Maybe it’s fishing on a boat with your grandpa. Maybe it’s sleeping. What about this situation makes it so peaceful to you? What is the feeling of peace like? How can you remember that sense of peace?

PRAY

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me peace in every situation. Please remind me to look for peace from you whether I face tough times, happy times, or sad times. I know you’re in control. Amen.

READ

John 16:33; Romans 12:18