As I write this, Colorado Springs has been hit with a massive snowstorm. I know, right?! It’s May. My husband, Steve, got stuck in Denver because his flight couldn’t get into the Springs. Early the next morning I was supposed to leave from the Springs to get to Jacksonville, Florida. My drive to the airport was perilous at best but I finally got there. When we boarded the plane the pilot said the weight of the plane was off. So flight attendants started rearranging suitcases. Then the pilot announced that we still had too much weight so they needed to sit on the runway and burn off some fuel. An hour later they needed to de-ice the plane. All the while I kept looking at my watch and realized I was going to miss my Houston connection. Finally, we took off. 45 minutes into the flight, the pilot came back on and told us that we were having engine problems and we were going to return to the Springs. However, the visibility was low so he wasn’t sure we’d be able to land, and we might have to land in Denver. Passengers were cranky. My own stomach was in knots as I realized, not only was I not going to make my meeting, I might be stuck in Denver because my car was parked in the Springs. 

Thankfully, we landed in the Springs, and while I did miss my meetings because the airlines weren’t sure when they could reschedule, I was able to drive home. During all this drama, I kept internally praying and reminding myself, “Becky, let the peace of Christ rule in your heart.”

According to the Apostle Paul, we’re “called to peace” (Colossians 3:15). Isn’t that phrase intriguing? Have you ever considered that part of your calling is peace? It’s staggering to consider. God calls me and you to peace. Even when flights are canceled, roads are messy, and we miss meetings, we’re called to peace. When the health diagnosis is not great, when the people in your life make unwise decisions, when the job pursuit fails, we are called to peace and promised peace.

Scripture is filled with promises of peace. 

Consider These 5 Promises of Peace:

Psalm 4:8 – “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.”

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 heart be troubled.”

John 16:33- “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Galatians 5:22-23  – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”

Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Friend, peace is a gift from God. We open our hands, surrender our plans, and receive His peace. He has promised it so we can count on Him. 

Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. When my plans go awry, when my health fails, when the people in my life disappoint, or tragedy strikes, You have promised me peace. Today, Lord Jesus, I open my heart and my hands. I surrender to Your plans and I receive Your peace. When my thoughts become anxious, help me to remember: You, Yourself, are my peace. You go before, behind, above, and beneath me into this day. I trust You, Lord Jesus.  

If you are having difficulty experiencing God’s peace today, I highly recommend Psalms for the Anxious Heart!