"Peace Up"

Runnin’ on and runnin’ ‘round,

There’s always lots to do,

Out here in the country,

And when I’m in town, too.

Feed to buy and groceries,

And just some odds and ends,

But always glad to get back home,

Where the peace transcends,

All the things I plan to do,

It’s good to rein it back,

Put it in the Good Lord’s hands,

‘Cause He knows what we lack.

Before we even ask Him,

Or make our prayer request,

He knows us and He loves us,

And gives us what is best.

Peace that passes understanding,

Is ours when we pray,

Cast on Him our busy-ness,

And do it everyday.

No worry and no trouble,

No anxious stress to bear,

But give it all to Jesus,

And cast on Him our care.

I’m thankful for the work to do,

And for the life we lead,

But glad to have the peace of God,

Who meets our every need.

So pray it up and pray it through,

Let His peace referee,

It will guard our hearts and minds,

It’s Jesus’ guarantee.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NAS)

Being anxiety-free almost seems like some sort of miraculous thing to witness. That’s because worries worry us, and often persistently drain our spiritual, emotional and physical energy. These verses promise peace to those who pray. This is important. The peace is not uniquely attached to answered prayer, but to the praying itself. Peace is released when we pray. And the peace is bigger than how we think, what we feel, or the situation itself. The peace becomes the guardian of our hearts and minds.

Lord, let Your peace reign in our hearts, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Steve Boaldin, used by permission. Thanks, Steve, and God bless you.