READ: PSALM 46; JOHN 16:33 ; HEBREWS 4:14-16

I have heard that peace is like a river of serenity.

I have heard that the Lord is the giver of tranquility.

If peace can be revealed through the raindrops of a raging storm,

Why does the thunder never stop? It leaves my heart feeling torn.

My friends are gone. I’m alone in the dark. No peace can I find.

Fear holds me as a slave. I feel like I am losing my mind.

My heart races fast inside of my chest. I can’t catch my breath.

The darkness closes in all around me. Is this the end: death?

But wait! His scarred hands are lifting me high above the darkness.

Though the raging waters are by my side, He is my fortress.

Jesus knows the anguish that makes me tense. He is human too.

His reckless love is never any less for me or for you.

He is my peace in the raging storm when fear is all around.

Even though things may fall apart, I will stand on solid ground.

So, I will raise my head and fix my eyes, seeing only Him.

Though Satan tempts, I know fear is a lie. Darkness will grow dim. • Brooke Morris

• Jesus promises peace to everyone who puts their trust in Him. In fact, Ephesians 2:14 says that Jesus “himself is our peace.” Because He died on the cross and rose from the grave to forgive our sins, we can have peace with God (Romans 5:1). And we can look forward to the day Jesus will return and make all things new! But in the meantime, we all experience times when we feel anything but peaceful. Thankfully, Jesus invites us to take refuge in Him—to honestly tell Him all we’re thinking and feeling, and be reminded of His steadfast love and faithfulness. Can you think of a time you experienced Jesus helping you when you were afraid? What was that like?

• If you want to dig deeper, read Psalms 88:18 ; 139:12 ; Isaiah 41:10 ; 66:12-13; Matthew 7:24-27; 26:37-38; Luke 22:44 ; John 20:24-29; Romans 8:15 ; Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 2:15 ; 12:1-3.

[Jesus said,] “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)