Finding Peace in a Troubled World

PEACEFUL

MOMENTS FROM

The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

PHILIPPIANS 4:7

Welcome

It’s increasingly hard to argue with the description of our world as “troubled”. Mounting tensions in international relations, continued climate change and rising prices only add to the increasing sense of uncertainty and fear.

Is it even possible to feel at peace when the world and even our own homes can be so turbulent? What does peace in the midst of chaos even feel like?

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians, “In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (PHILIPPIANS 4:6). We may have reasons to fear, but God is always in control. As we hand over each of our concerns to Him, we’re promised “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds” (V. 7). This peace is more than a nice feeling, it is a guard protecting us when anxiety, worries and troubles want to take over. It is an assurance that “in Christ Jesus” we are securely held by One who is truly “excellent and praiseworthy” (VV. 7-8).

We pray this little booklet will help you draw near to your heavenly Father to experience the peace He promises to those who surrender every situation to Him in prayer. No matter what season you are facing, in Christ you can access the peace that is infinitely stronger than everything else.

Your friends at Our Daily Bread Ministries

HOPE FOR EVERY DAY 0

Morning & Evening

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HOW TO READ THE BIBLE

Our Daily Bread will help you read, reflect and respond to the hope found in God’s Word. We’re ready when you are.

Read

Start by asking God to help you read the day’s Bible passage. You could read it once, twice or three times. Take your time and soak it in as you listen to what God is saying.

Reflect

Each Our Daily Bread writer is a friend and companion on life’s journey. They will draw alongside you to think about how God’s heart is revealed in His Word.

Respond

Use the closing prayer to help you begin responding to what your Father has said to you. Keep the key verse on your mind throughout the day, letting God speak to you through it.

Question

Here are three helpful questions to ask every time you read the Bible: What does this passage tell me about God? What does it show me about myself? How is it going to help me connect with God today?

Genesis 19:15–26

God’s Presence in our Present

15 With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, ‘Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.’

16 When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them. 17 As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, ‘Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!’

18 But Lot said to them, ‘No, my lords, please! 19 Your servant has found favour in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But I can’t flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me, and I’ll die. 20 Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it—it is very small, isn’t it? Then my life will be spared.’

21 He said to him, ‘Very well, I will grant this request too; I will not overthrow the town you speak of. 22 But flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until you reach it.’ (That is why the town was called Zoar.)

23 By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. 24 Then the Lord rained down burning sulphur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land.

26 But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.

Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! GENESIS 19:17

The stunning clifftop scenery tugged at my heart. I was visiting Guernsey, my island home before God called my husband to serve His church in England. ‘If only we had stayed,’ I thought. ‘How I miss living near Mum. And my job had such potential.’

Glancing back at the familiar beauty I suddenly sensed God say: ‘Stop looking back and concentrate on where you’re going.’ The message struck me deeply, reminding me of Lot’s wife. Convicted of my disgruntlement I turned to her story.

Married to Abraham’s nephew, Lot’s wife lived in Sodom, which was doomed for destruction because of the people’s wickedness (V. 13). But God assured her family that He’d save them. He asked only that they flee without looking back (V. 17), as any distraction could end in catastrophe. And sadly, it did. Despite God’s warnings, she looked back while her family raced ahead , and “she became a pillar of salt” (V. 26).

Comparing my life with the past had robbed me of God’s peace in my present. Perhaps you relate to those yearnings, such as for past homes, health, careers or responsibilities. But as we respond to God’s gentle warnings not to look back, we’re protected, spiritually speaking, from becoming like pillars of salt. As we focus on His presence today, His love, guidance and purpose will restore peace to our soul.

Anne Le Tissier

Jesus, thank You for promising to be with me in every changing season of life. I thank You for the good gifts of the past, but I ask You to open my heart to Your purposes for me now.

Reflective Journalling

Take a moment with God to reflect on His presence in your present.

What I am looking back on at the moment?

What am I struggling to let go of from my past?

What can I be thankful for?

Is there a verse, story, character or image from Scripture on my mind at the moment?

What do I need God’s help with right now?

What can I focus on in the coming days to keep God at the centre of my life?

Hold me steady, Father. I surrender to You all my triumphs and failures; my joys and regrets. I entrust them to all to You. Please will You work for good in everything that’s going on in my life and my heart, just as You promise to. Thank You for being here right now. I commit today and the week ahead to You. May I know the comfort and strength of Your presence each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Joshua 1:1–9

God of the Anxious

1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant: 2 ‘Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the River Jordan into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

7 ‘Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. JOSHUA 1:9

With no trace of nerves, twenty-one-year-old Esther sang a beautiful solo to superstars Sir Tom Jones, Olly Murs, will.i.am and Anne-Marie for The Voice UK. Her audition was successful, and she went forward on Tom Jones’ team for the next stage of the televised competition. Her talent was obvious, but what the judges didn’t know was that for years she had struggled with such severe anxiety that it made her vomit. Though she didn’t win the competition, being able to audition in front of her musical heroes was already a triumph.

Two things helped Esther. First, she sought medical treatment. Second, she found peace through the book of Joshua. Joshua had plenty to be anxious about before leading the Israelites into the promised land. This generation had wandered in the wilderness for years and had no military training, yet they would face a literal battle. In this context, God tells Joshua to “Be strong and courageous” (JOSHUA 1:6), and repeats it like a mantra (V. 7, 9). How can Joshua have courage, despite the circumstances? Because God promises, “[I] will be with you wherever you go” (V. 9), and “I will not fail you or forsake you” (V. 5).

Jesus reassures us, “I am with you always” (MATTHEW 28:20). We cling to this. Whether we experience clinical anxiety like Esther or face a daunting future like Joshua, God is here: with us and ahead of us.

Tanya

Marlow

Dear God, You go before us and fight our battles with us. Please calm my heart today and help me know that You are with me.

5-Minute Coffee Break

10 VERSES TO REFLECT ON WHEN YOU NEED PEACE

1 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

PSALM 4:8

2 The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.

PSALM 29:11

3 Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.

PSALM 62:1

4 Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

PSALM 119:165

5 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

ISAIAH 26:3

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.

JOHN 14:27

7 In me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

JOHN 16:33

8 Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

ROMANS 5:1

9 The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

PHILIPPIANS 4:6:7

10 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

2 THESSALONIANS 3:16

Psalm 145:13–21

God Is Near

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.

The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.

14 The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.

16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.

18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

19 He fulfils the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

20 The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

21 My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

PSALM 145:18

As a single mum, Maxine struggled to keep up with her devotional times with God. Feeling a failure, she went for a walk by a river, taking in the scent of the flowers and listening to the gurgling water. She sensed God’s loving peace settle on her as she imagined Jesus walking beside her. “I felt I was in His presence . . . this made me feel at peace and filled me with joy.” Now she walks and talks with God each day, rejoicing in His presence. “I had been making myself feel so guilty . . . when the answer was right in front of me: He is always with me!”

The Psalms reverberate with this truth—God is with us. In Psalm 145, David speaks praises to the God who is close to him and shares about His character: “The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does” (PSALM 145:13). God satisfies our desires (V. 16) and is righteous and faithful (V. 17). And He’s close to us: “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (V. 18).

We can echo David’s praises as we find ways to connect with God, just as Maxine did. We too can say: “My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever” (V. 21). Amy Boucher Pye

Gracious God, thank You for caring for me and enveloping me in Your presence. Deepen my desire to love and serve You.

5-Minute Coffee Break

PSALM 23:4

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. PSALM 23:4

Consider what it feels like to walk through a valley. Towering walls of mountainside hem you in. You feel surrounded. You feel small. The path ahead is drenched in shadow and uncertainty. Where is your valley at the moment?

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. PSALM 23:4

“I will fear no evil.” Read these words slowly and thoughtfully, over and over. Feel the psalmist’s resolve becoming your own.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. PSALM 23:4

Now repeat these words in the same way. Set your gaze upon the Shepherd who journeys beside you. In His presence, fear is replaced with hope; your weaknesses with His strength.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. PSALM 23:4

Have you felt His presence today? Or are you struggling to hear His voice? Tell your Good Shepherd what you need from Him.

I am humbled, Lord Jesus, that You, being the mighty King of the whole universe, walk with me, even in the darkest valleys. Please guide me, provide for me, defend me, strengthen me and lead me home. I am so thankful for all You have done and continue to do for me. May the joyful, fortifying thought of Your presence guard my mind and heart throughout today. Amen

Isaiah 26:1–9

Perfect Peace

1 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls and ramparts.

2 Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith.

3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

4 Trust in the Lord for ever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

5 He humbles those who dwell on high, he lays the lofty city low; he levels it to the ground and casts it down to the dust.

6 Feet trample it down—the feet of the oppressed, the footsteps of the poor.

7 The path of the righteous is level; you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.

8 Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.

9 My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you.

When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. ISAIAH 26

The diagnosis hit hard: breast cancer. My friend shared how she lost sleep as she tossed and turned, fretting over what was happening in her body. Then one night she cried out in despair, asking God to come and help her and relieve her of this burden.

“I felt God’s peace immediately,” she confided. She felt it flow into her and cover her, as if she was suddenly wrapped in a warm blanket. And in the months that followed, as she went through the various stages of treatment, this gift of God’s peace never left her.

God promises peace to His people, whatever circumstances we are going through. Many centuries ago, His prophet Isaiah assured the Israelites of the gift of peace. They should trust in the Lord for ever, “for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal” (ISAIAH 26:4). After all, those who trust in Him, keeping their minds fixed on Him, will be kept “in perfect peace” (V. 3). Interestingly, in the original language of Hebrew, that term perfect peace appears as shalom shalom. The word being repeated emphasises the intensity of the thought.

We too might face a shattering diagnosis, a heart-rending betrayal, a disappointing result. But we can trust that not only will God never leave us, but that He will keep us in His perfect peace.

Amy Boucher Pye

Loving God, thank You for the amazing gift of peace. Help me to put my trust in You when I experience heartache and fear.

A Prayer for A STEADFAST MIND

Father, help me to keep a steadfast mind. Root my thoughts in Your truth and Your goodness. Fortify my mind and heart with the promises of Your Word. Thank You for the perfect peace that comes to me when I choose to trust You. Lord, I affirm again today that my faith is in You, not my own efforts and instincts.

I submit my thought-life to You, Lord God. Unchain me from the worries and anxieties that constantly invade my head. Replace negativity and uncertainty with rejoicing in the assurance of Your presence. Nothing I face can undo Your Word or the work of Christ on my behalf. Help me to read and reflect on Scripture so that it takes a deep root within me. Transform me by the peace that comes simply from knowing You are here, and You are King. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace

PSALM 29:11

Matthew 14:22-33

God of the Waves

22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear.

27 But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ 28 ‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ 29 ‘Come,’ he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’

32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

33 Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’

Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus.

MATTHEW 14:29

Irish missionary Amy Carmichael knew what it was to live through life’s storms: poverty, illness, chronic pain, persecution. Having weathered so many hardships with God’s help, she reflected, “God is the God of the waves and the billows, and they are still His when they come over us; again and again we have proved that the overwhelming thing does not overwhelm.”

Perhaps Peter had a similar revelation when he stepped out of his fishing boat and onto the stormy sea. Imagine being there with him, blown about by the wind, buffeted by huge waves and blinded by stinging spray (MATTHEW 14:24). And then to see Jesus calmly walking towards you—on the same swirling waters that threaten to hurl you to the depths (V. 25).

If the storm terrified Peter, how much more awesome Jesus must have suddenly seemed—He who couldn’t be touched by it. The overwhelming storm could not overwhelm its Creator. Even when Peter then began to sink beneath the waves, Jesus “reached out his hand and caught him” (V. 31).

If you are facing storms which feel far too big to handle, set your gaze instead on Jesus, to whom they must all submit. You’ll find the courage, peace and perseverance for today’s challenges in His presence. Even if you feel you are sinking, know that Jesus stands ready to hold you so that you will not be overcome.

Chris Wale

Jesus, You reign over every thunderstorm and wave I endure. Thank You for not allowing me to sink. May I feel Your hand holding me tightly today.

Reflective Colouring

Philippians 4:4–8

Stress to Peace

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!

5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Do

not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your

requests to God. PHILIPPIANS

4:6

Moving house often ranks as one of the biggest stressors in life. We moved to our current home after I’d lived in my previous one for nearly twenty years. I’d lived alone in that first home for eight years before I got married. Then my husband moved in, along with all his things. Later, we added a child, and that meant even more stuff.

Our moving day to the new house wasn’t without incident. Five minutes before the movers arrived, I was still finishing up a book manuscript. And the new home had several sets of stairs, so it took double the time and twice as many movers as planned.

But I wasn’t feeling stressed out by the events of that day. Then it hit me: I’d spent many hours finishing writing a book— one chock-full with Scripture and biblical concepts. By God’s grace, I‘d been poring over the Bible, praying and writing to meet my deadline. So, I believe the key was my immersion in Scripture and in prayer.

Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (PHILIPPIANS 4:6). When we pray—and “rejoice in” God (V. 4)—we refocus our mind from the problem to our Provider. We may be asking God to help us deal with a stressor, but we’re also connecting with Him, which can provide a peace “which transcends all understanding” (V. 7).

Katara Patton

Provider and Protector, I trust You with everything going on in my life. May Your peace guard my mind and heart.

5-Minute Coffee Break

PHILIPPIANS 4:7

The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ

Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:6:7

Pause over these words. Repeat them to yourself slowly, again and again. How is this peace described? It is the peace “of God”. It is His peace, not yours. It is His gift to give. It depends on Him, not you or your circumstances. Ask Him to give you this peace.

The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ

Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:6:7

The peace from God is vast and awesome; beyond our limited ability to truly comprehend or describe. Deeper than the depths of the ocean, more breath-taking than all the stars in the night sky—God’s peace is not ours to create, but simply to receive and marvel over.

The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:6:7

“Guard”. Repeat this word. What image does it create in your mind? A soldier standing alert at your side? A thick, bolted steel vault? An impenetrable castle surrounded by high walls and a wide moat? This is God’s peace for your heart and mind: protection, security, a shield.

The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:6:7

Have you experienced the protection of God’s peace? It is found “in Christ Jesus”, the One who is always with us and who has done everything to make us His own throughout all eternity. Draw near to Him today.

Dear Jesus, Prince of Peace, thank You that I do not need to rely on this changeable world to bring me peace. I can trust You with everything. You are my safety and You guard my heart. Be my fortress today. Amen

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

The Secret of Peace

16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

17 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace.

2 THESSALONIANS 3:16

Grace is a very special lady. One word comes to mind when I think of her: peace. The quiet and restful expression on her face has seldom changed in the six months I have known her, even though her husband was diagnosed with a rare disease and then hospitalised.

When I asked Grace the secret of her peace, she said, “It’s not a secret, it’s a person. It’s Jesus in me. There is no other way I can explain the quietness I feel in the midst of this storm.”

The secret of peace is our relationship to Jesus Christ. He is our peace. When Jesus is our Saviour and Lord, and as we become more like Him, peace becomes real. Things like sickness, financial difficulties, or danger may be present, but peace reassures us that God holds our lives in His hands (PSALM 31:14-15), and we can trust that things will work together for good. Have we experienced this peace that goes beyond logic and understanding? Do we have the inner confidence that God is in control? My wish for all of us today echoes the words of the apostle Paul: “may the Lord of peace himself give you peace”. And may we feel this peace “at all times and in every way” (2 THESSALONIANS 3:16). Keila Ochoa

Dear Lord, please give me Your peace at all times and in every situation. I place my life and my worries into Your hands.

Reflective Journalling

Take a moment with God to reflect on what He has been saying to you about His peace.

Where am I struggling to experience peace at the moment?

What situations or people do I need to entrust to the Lord?

When have I experienced God’s peace guarding my heart and mind?

Is there a verse or image from Scripture that’s helping me to reflect on God’s peace?

What will it look like for me to seek peace in Jesus this week?

What can I focus on in the coming days to remind myself that God remains faithful and in control?

God of peace, when I’m anxious and fretting about many things, help me to turn to You and receive Your gift of peace. Thank You that I don’t have to understand it to receive it. I need only draw near and rest in Your unchangeable truth. Thank You that Your peace does surpass understanding and circumstances. For as You are mightier than whatever I go through, so too is Your peace. Fill my heart with peace today. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Help us continue sharing the hope of God’s Word

I have put my hope in your word.

PSALM 119:114

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Finding Peace in a Troubled World

Is it even possible to feel at peace when the world and even our own homes can be so turbulent? What does peace in the midst of chaos even feel like? These Our Daily Bread reflections, prayers, journalling pages and calming Bible-based meditations will help you draw near to your heavenly Father to experience the peace He promises to those who surrender every situation to Him in prayer. No matter what season you are facing, in Christ you can access the peace that is infinitely stronger than everything else.

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