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Peaceful

Being at rest with myself and others.

Devotional Thought

Read Acts 12:1-17 and 16:22-30.

The inner peace from God is available to all believers in spite of the turmoil in the world. Peter and Paul in Acts 12 and 16, respectively, both had peace while sitting in jail awaiting their fate. Peter had so much peace in his situation that he had fallen into a deep sleep. Paul was busy singing and praying when he was delivered. Both were not worried about the future and they weren't anxious. God had granted them tremendous peace.

Michelle Akers, women's soccer player, said, "The more time I spend keeping my eye on who God is, His perspective, His goals for me, the more fun I have, the more joyful I feel, the more peace I have." Michelle is right…true peace only comes when you keep your eyes focused on God and not the problems and issues that confront you. What a feeling to have the freedom in releasing your burdens to Christ (Matthew 11:28-30).

In our modern, fast paced world it's hard to find peace. One of the reasons is that we have difficulty in being quiet. Stillness is something we rarely encounter. Think about it!! Noise (music, television, talk, laughter, machinery, appliances, phones and traffic) from 6:00 am until midnight. Speed (bumper to bumper at 65 m.p.h., on-ramps and off-ramps, deadlines and appointments) causes us to check our watches more than checking in with the Lord. Activities (meetings, services, dinners, luncheons, breakfasts, rallies, clubs and sports) pull us away from quietness. Now certainly some things are super important but not everything!!

In every situation, God knows more about what's involved than we can ever know. He alone sees the beginning from the ending. He alone knows how to create a master plan that provides for the good of those who serve Him. Only God knows what lies ahead for your life. Trust Him and His plan as you rest in His peace.

When is the last time you've gotten quiet before the Lord and allowed His peace to overwhelm you? These quiet moments are when you can hear and feel the peaceful presence of God (Psalm 46:10). Then rely upon Him daily for peace and direction. Let Him be your refuge and strength.