“My soul doth sing at the remembrance of that peace.” That wonderful phrase comes from my little book of prayers, “The Valley of Vision,” and it made me think of that song of peace.
When I sat down to begin to write these last devotions for January 2025, I thought about peace. I need peace. I need the permanent, lasting peace we have as Children of God.
In the NLT version, a form of the word “peace” is found 362 times. From the way my spirit often feels, I probably should read all 362 references! Instead, I found five that speak to my heart today. Those five verses outline a plan of peace, not peace, as the world knows peace, but a permanent lasting peace.
David, the psalmist, begins Psalm 4: “Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.” And he ends it this way: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” [NLT]
The search for a lasting peace begins here. It begins with a cry to God: “Answer me when I call … free me from my troubles … hear my prayer.”
Peace, true peace is only found with God. I realize that I will never find peace focusing on the source of my unrest. If I want peace I have to put my attention elsewhere.
I can cry out to God, “Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer,” and I know God will answer. He’s answered that prayer in the past; He will continue to hear my prayer and answer in the present and future.
