STAYED Seven P's of Perfect Peace 21-Day Guided DevotionalSample

For the third time through the devotional, at the end of your morning meditation, we suggest spending a few minutes trying to commit a verse or two to memory. Alternatively, if there is a particular verse jumping out at you, open your Bible and explore the passage in more depth.

Pause Let all the thoughts you had coming into this time fall at the feet of Jesus, either symbolically or literally, on your knees if possible. Find a quiet place and be still; recognize any stress or striving and give it to Jesus.

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:14, NIV)

Place Thank God for where you are right now physically, as well as where you are at in this station in life (student, staff, employee, parent, child, any other role). You do not need to be anywhere else during this time. God is the sole focus of your attention during this time, and you can rest knowing He has provided this place for you.

Father, I want these whom You have given Me to be with Me where I am. Then they can see all the glory You gave Me because You loved Me even before the world began! (John 17:24, NLT)

Person The center of your life is the relationship you have with the Father, through the person of Jesus Christ. Your worth does not come from what you do, but who you are as God’s child. Find your identity in Him.

Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:2-3, NLT)

Presence Wait on the Spirit of God. He may not come to you in a moment, but He will come. He may not make Himself physically felt to you, but He is still there. He wants to be with you and you with Him—it is the very last thing He prayed before He faced the cross. You have been on His mind for a long time. He loves you and loves this time with you.

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. (Zephaniah 3:17, NLT)

Purpose First, remember that you have one. You were created by God for His glory and your enjoyment of Him. Second, know that He can infuse meaning into every part of your life right here and now...even the parts that don’t make sense.

They will be My people, and I will be their God. And I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship Me forever, for their own good and for the good of all their descendants. (Jeremiah 32:38-39, NLT)

Pleading Knowing that you are loved and that God is caring for you every step of the way, let Him know what is going on in your heart. Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you. Also, use this time to intercede for others, praying for them as the Spirit leads and entrusting them to the care of the Lord.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20, NLT)

Praise Sing a song or put some music on if you are able to. We have provided some songs for you, or you may use whatever music you prefer. Music is a powerful tool for marrying the truth of God with the beauty of melody and harmony. Our hearts are drawn to beauty, and music can help us establish God’s truth in the deepest places inside of us. If you are in a place where playing music is not an option, meditate on the given verses of praise.

After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9-10, NLT)

Know that as you get up to leave this sacred time, you can revisit these Scriptures and principles throughout the day. You can pause (even for a few seconds, or even just internally while you are processing other things) at any time during the day and thank God for the place where you are currently. Remember that you are a person created to be filled with the very presence of God. He has a glorious purpose for you—allow Him to work it in and through you. When the pain and problems of life arise, surrender to the loving care of the Lord, knowing that He is with you, working out His plan. Serve others by pleading to the Lord on their behalf, and lift your heart in praise to Him for His goodness throughout the day.

Today’s Song Track 7, Calmed And Quieted