Restore your soul through these meditations on God’s love and peace. These brief devotions create an oasis in each day, reminding you of the God who wants to carry your concerns.
DAY 1
Peace of Mind
Part 1
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 26:3–9
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. —Isaiah 26:4
A contest was held in which artists were invited to paint a picture of perfect peace. The judges eventually narrowed the number of competitors to two. The first had created a scene of a quiet mountain lake. The second depicted a thundering waterfall with the branch of a birch tree bending over the foam. On the fork of that limb, wet with spray, a robin sat undisturbed on her nest. The first picture spoke of tranquility, but the second won the prize because it showed in dramatic detail that absolute calmness can be found in the midst of turbulent surroundings.
Yes, it is easy to remain unruffled when everything is quiet and serene. But to rest while the storm is raging—that is “perfect peace.” A. B. Simpson, commenting on Isaiah 26:3–4, remarked, “The Christian’s rest is not the result of passive inaction. Rather, it is an active reliance on the mighty and everlasting arms of God.”
As you face the trials and testings of life, turn all your anxieties over to the Lord. Center your thoughts on Him and the precious promises of His Word, and you’ll experience a peace that passes all understanding.
DAY 2
A Prayer Challenge
Part 2
Today’s Reading: Matthew 19:13–15
Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. —Matthew 19:13
A young mother once said, “I wish I could wrap my children in bubble wrap to protect them from the big, bad world outside.”
Author Stormie Omartian understands how that mother feels. In her book The Power of a Praying Parent, she writes, “One day I cried out to God, saying, ‘Lord, this is too much for me. I can’t keep a twenty-four-hours-a-day, moment-by-moment watch on my son. How can I ever have peace?’”
God responded by leading Stormie and her husband to become praying parents. They began to intercede for their son daily, mentioning the details of his life in prayer.
The desire to wrap our children in bubble wrap to protect them is rooted in fear. Wrapping children in prayer, as Jesus did (Matthew 19:13–15), is a powerful alternative. He cares more about our children than we do, so we can release them into His hands by praying for them. As we pray, He will give us the peace we long for (Philippians 4:6–7).
This challenge is for all parents—even those whose children have grown up: Don’t ever stop wrapping your children in prayer!
DAY 3
Safe and Still
Part 3
Today’s Reading: Psalm 91
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.—Psalm 91:1
As a full-of-energy preschooler, my son Xavier avoided afternoon quiet time. Being still often resulted in an unwanted, though much-needed, nap. He did everything possible to evade the quiet. “Mom, I’m hungry . . . I’m thirsty . . . I have to go to the bathroom . . . I want a hug.”
Understanding the benefits of stillness, I’d help Xavier settle down by inviting him to snuggle. Leaning into my side, he’d give in to sleep.
Early in my spiritual life, I mirrored my son’s desire to remain active. Busyness made me feel accepted, important, and in control. Surrendering to rest only affirmed my frail humanity. So I avoided stillness and silence, doubting the Lord could handle things without my help.
But God is our refuge, no matter what lies ahead. The path may seem long, scary, or overwhelming, but His love envelops us. He hears us, answers us, and stays with us . . . now and forever into eternity (Psalm 91:1–16).
We can embrace the quiet and lean into God’s unfailing love and constant presence. We can be still, because we’re safe under the shelter of His unchanging faithfulness (v. 4).
DAY 4
Comforted by God
Part 4
Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3–7
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. —Psalm 94:19
A mother was trying to calm her fretful little daughter. Soon her loving embrace and tender caresses had quieted the four-year-old’s uneasiness. But the mother herself was grieving because of the recent death of her own mother.
Looking up, the little girl saw her moist eyes and asked sweetly, “Mama, do you want to be holded too?” The mother’s tears began to flow freely, and the child hugged her and whispered, “Mama, God will hold you, won’t He?” Those words consoled her.
How reassuring to know that our Lord is the “God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). Although we may sorrow greatly, God is good, and heaven will one day reveal that His purpose was never to hurt us but to bless us. So we cast all our care upon the Lord, believing that He is holding us even when we do not feel it. There is solid comfort in that reality.
As we turn our problems over to the loving Savior, we will be able to say with the psalmist: “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy” (Psalm 94:19).
DAY 5
He Carries Us
Part 5
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 66:12–16
“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” —Isaiah 66:13
My friend entrusted me with the privilege of holding her precious, four-day-old daughter. Not long after I took the baby into my arms, she started to fuss. Despite my best attempts and my decade and a half of parenting experience, I couldn’t pacify her. She became increasingly upset until I placed her back into the crook of her mother’s eager arm. Peace washed over her almost instantaneously. My friend knew precisely how to hold and pat her daughter to alleviate her distress.
God extends comfort to His children like a mother: tender, trustworthy, and diligent in her efforts to calm her child. When we are weary or upset, He carries us affectionately in His arms. As our Father and Creator, He knows us intimately. He “will keep in perfect peace all who trust in [him], all whose thoughts are fixed on [him]” (Isaiah 26:3 nlt).
When the troubles of this world weigh heavy on our hearts, we can find comfort in the knowledge that He protects and fights for us, His children, as a loving parent.
DAY 6
Don’t Forget Yourself!
Part 6
Today’s Reading: John 17:1–5
“Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” —John 17:5
Are you surprised that Christ’s high-priestly prayer in John 17 began with a petition for himself? He was at the most crucial moment of His earthly life; soon He would take up the cross and bear the punishment for the sins of the world. His concern for others was obvious. He would specifically mention His disciples. Then He would intercede for His church, which would endure great persecution through the centuries. But first He prayed for himself.
Some Christians think it’s wrong to pray for themselves. However, we shouldn’t feel guilty about bringing our own needs and concerns to the Lord. A girl listened carefully to her mother’s prayers and said, “Mom, you’re always praying for somebody else. You never pray for yourself, but I think you should.” She was right, for we do need to ask the Lord for His guidance, forgiveness, patience, and grace.
When you spend time in God’s presence, tell Him about your hopes, your worries, your desires, and your needs. He’ll help you see things more clearly and give you the needed direction. As you go to the Lord in prayer, pray for others. But don’t forget yourself.
DAY 7
Be Still, My Soul!
Part 7
Today’s Reading: Psalm 131
“But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.” —Psalm 131:2
Picture a mother poised lovingly over her child, finger gently placed in front of nose and lips softly speaking the words—“hush,” “shhhh.” The demeanor and simple words are meant to comfort and quiet anxious little ones in the midst of disappointment, discomfort, or pain. When I ponder Psalm 131:2, this is the picture that comes to mind.
The language and flow of this psalm suggest that the writer, David, had experienced something that provoked serious reflection. Have you experienced a disappointment, defeat, or failure that prompted thoughtful, reflective prayer? When you lose a friendship or lose your composure with your family? David poured out his heart to the Lord and in the process did a bit of honest soul-searching and inventory (Psalm 131:1). In making peace with his circumstances, he found contentment like that of a young child who was satisfied with simply being with his or her mother (v. 2).
Life’s circumstances change, and sometimes we are humbled. Yet we can be hopeful and content knowing that there is One who has promised to never leave or forsake us. We can trust Him fully.
DAY 8
Sharing Is Hard
Part 8
Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:10–15
“Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” —Hebrews 13:16
On the way home from church, my daughter sat in the backseat enjoying Goldfish crackers as my other children implored her to share. Trying to redirect the conversation, I asked the hoarder of snacks, “What did you do in class today?” She said they made a basket of bread and fish because a child gave Jesus five loaves and two fish that Jesus used to feed more than 5,000 people (John 6:1–13).
“That was very kind of the little boy to share. Do you think maybe God is asking you to share your fish?” I asked. “No, Momma,” she replied.
I tried to encourage her to share. She was unconvinced. “There’s not enough for everyone!”
Sharing is hard. And the assumption is that if I give, I will be left wanting.
Paul reminds us that all we have comes from God, who wants to enrich us so He can “produce a great harvest of generosity in [us]” (2 Corinthians 9:10–11 nlt). We can share joyfully because God promises to care for us even as we are generous to others.
DAY 9
Spiritual Jotting
Part 9
Today’s Reading: Psalm 119:97–104
“Pray continually.” —1 Thessalonians 5:17
I have met many young mothers who are discouraged by their inadequate devotional life. The term “quiet time” only reminds them how little “quiet” or “time” they have for Bible reading, prayer, and meditation.
When my children were young, a speaker shared how she overcame this dilemma during her childrearing years. Throughout her house she placed pencils and notepads. During the day, wherever she was, she would jot down insights, prayer needs, or Bible verses as they came to mind. Each evening she would gather up her jottings—the ingredients of a spiritual feast she had been preparing all day. How eagerly she welcomed the opportunity to nourish her hungry spirit with her Bible and her jottings! I put her method to the test, and my daily devotions became what they needed to be—a workable vehicle for strengthening my devotion to Christ.
If you’re an overworked mother, I recommend “spiritual jotting,” both now and as a lifelong habit. Not only will it put more devotion into your devotions but it will also bring you closer to fulfilling Paul’s admonition to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 nkjv).
DAY 10
God Arranged Their Seating
Part 10
Today’s Reading: Proverbs 16:1–9
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” —Proverbs 16:9
As Pastor John Aker boarded a plane in Newark, he discovered that he had been assigned a seat next to a man named Richard. Once airborne, the two began talking. Richard had come from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. His condition: skin cancer. Doctors gave him ten months at best. He was going home to Nebraska. “May I tell you about something that changed my life?” asked John. Richard nodded. John explained the way of salvation, and Richard was interested. Right there, 20,000 feet over Chicago, he gave his heart to Christ.
Months later, John again boarded a plane at Newark. This time he sat next to an elderly woman headed for Beatrice, Nebraska. Amazingly, this was Richard’s mother. She told him her son was growing in the Lord. “I’m so encouraged,” said Richard’s mother. John replied, “I’m inspired that Richard has followed through and that God arranged for us to sit together.” The woman replied, “Just before you came on the plane a woman asked me to change seats with her.”
God does direct our steps! If we are yielded to Him, He will use us. Let’s trust God to “arrange the seating” in our lives.