Truly at Peace

If you’re a follower of the news, then nothing in this blog will surprise you. You’ve seen the chaos, heard the shouting, and felt the weight of the dismay blanketing our world.

And if you’re not a news follower — well, you just might be living in a sweet spot of God’s amazing grace in your corner of the world. Either way, I imagine you’ve asked the same question I have:
Is there a way to stay informed, stay interceding, and still stay in peace?

I believe there is. It begins with thanksgiving.

The truly thankful person is a truly peaceful person – no matter what. Thankful people have created a habit of noticing, pausing and choosing.
Noticing something to be thankful for, even in the midst of chaos.
Pausing to acknowledge that something as evidence of God’s presence.
Choosing to dwell on His presence until His peace overwhelms our panic.

We are living in a season of angst and drama – from the classrooms to Capitol Hill. Parents are worried about what’s in schoolbooks. Protesters are torching cars. It’s exhausting just to keep up.

But what if we take the higher ground? What if we become noticers, pausers, choosers?

Daniel gave thanks before the lions came.
Jonah cried out with thanksgiving before the fish released him.
Paul and Silas? Singing in the prison with thanksgiving. And what does Paul tell us?
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

And the result? “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

Today, friend, let’s notice. Let’s pause. Let’s choose. Let’s trade our anxious hearts for thankful ones—and walk straight into peace.

Dear Lord,
Help me notice Your goodness in every circumstance today. Teach me to pause and see it for what it is—a reminder that I am not alone. And give me the strength to choose Your presence over panic, Your peace over fear. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.