Shalom, Peace

The tension we hold as Christians is being citizens of heaven but living currently in this world. We have this longing for heaven, yet we also have this gift of life to be lived here, with all of its beauty, pain, growth, suffering, sanctification, tears, and laughter. And in all of it, we learn more about who God is. We grow in relationship with Jesus and grow more into His likeness. And we are promised His complete and perfect peace, true shalom, as we walk with Him day by day, moment by moment.

Reflect on this journey, these five days of starting and ending your day by coming to God to untrouble your heart. His heavenly perspective invites you to embrace His shalom, His true peace, by bringing your burdens to Him and being in constant communion with Him. That constant interaction and desire to be with and confide in God is the way to experience the sustaining peace that can only be found in Him.

As you continue on this path of peace, keep going to Jesus whenever you feel weary or worried. He is always right there to be your help and strength. Keep casting all your cares on Him and releasing all your tears to Him because He cares for you. Each morning, take hold of God’s guiding hand, and each night, rest in His fatherly embrace.

When life is good, when life is hard, when you feel joyful, when you feel sorrowful, when you feel victorious, when you feel defeated, you can bring it all to God. When we intentionally keep close to Him, our hearts become untroubled, and we experience peace that surpasses all understanding. As you live with an eternal perspective, may you continue in the work God has for you here, and may you see the joy and honor of living this life with Him and for Him. May you be filled with peace and purpose as you await with eager anticipation your eternal home. May the Lord bless you and keep you all the days of your life; may He turn His face toward you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24–26). And may the Lord watch over your heart, keeping it untroubled.

Prayer

Lord,

You are the peace of my life, the joy of my life, the meaning of my life. Being loved by You and knowing You is the blessing above all blessings.

Thank You for walking with me through these five days, spending special time with me each day. Please continue growing our relationship and cultivating the garden of my heart, that it would be pleasing to You.

And when worries and difficulties arise, remind me to come quickly to You. Help me to just breathe. In and out, breathing with You, casting my cares on You because You care for me. And keep my heart near Yours, the only place it can remain truly untroubled.

I love You so much. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

For more information about Kara Stout and her book, An Untroubled Heart, visit www.KaraStout.com.